Residents of the Gbarain area in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, were rattled by an explosion on Tuesday morning, as suspected vandals breached an oil pump line, triggering a loud blast near a gas processing plant operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
The gas plant, crucial for supplying the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) export terminal in Bonny Island, Rivers State, became a focal point of concern as thick smoke and gaseous emissions filled the air.
According to sources within the community, the explosion occurred during the early hours of the day, originating from an oil pump line feeding the gas plant. Jesse, a resident in the vicinity, attributed the explosion to a pipeline breach by suspected vandals, setting off panic and pandemonium among locals.
In response to the incident, the operator of the plant isolated the affected line to mitigate the pressure and potential further damage. A spokesperson for Shell confirmed the occurrence, emphasizing that the explosion took place near the facility, although the exact cause remained undetermined.
“We are actively monitoring reports of smoke detected near our Gbaran Central Processing Facility in Bayelsa State,” stated the Shell spokesperson. “While the source appears to be external to our facility, we are in close communication with regulatory authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.”
