The Abia State Government has said that the pipeline explosion that occurred in Umuololo community, Owaza, in Ukwa West Local Government Area, was due to an ageing petroleum pipeline believed to have been laid about 70 years ago.
The pipeline, part of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11, reportedly exploded at about 1:30 a.m. on Monday, triggering a major oil spill that affected homes, farms, schools, shops and livestock in the community.
A delegation from the state government, led by the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, and the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Professor Joel Ogbonna, visited the affected area to assess the extent of the damage.
The officials expressed concern over the environmental impact of the incident on residents, noting that several buildings and other properties were severely damaged. They, however, confirmed that no lives were lost in the explosion.
Speaking during the inspection, Professor Joel Ogbonna said preliminary findings indicated that the pipeline was installed about seven decades ago and should not have remained in operation in 2026.
He directed the oil company responsible for the facility to immediately commence cleanup of the affected community and replace the ageing pipeline to prevent a recurrence.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, assured residents that the state government was closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to address the aftermath of the incident.
According to him, the administration of Governor remains committed to protecting communities across the state from environmental pollution, degradation and other safety risks.
One of the victims, David Nwogu, said his house suffered extensive damage as a result of the explosion.
Nwogu alleged that the pipeline was laid in 1958 and had not received adequate maintenance over the years, adding that the lack of proper upkeep may have contributed to the incident.
