Senator Calls for Immediate Investigation into Devastating Fire at Wellhead 008 in Bukuma

In the wake of a catastrophic fire outbreak at Wellhead 008, located in Bukuma, Agum Community in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo has demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the causes of the incident. The blaze, which is still raging, has wreaked havoc on the local community, causing extensive damage and significant hardship for residents. Local media reports indicate that the fire remains uncontrollable, further compounding the already dire situation.

In a press statement issued yesterday, Senator Banigo expressed her deep concern, calling the incident both “unfortunate and avoidable.” The senator revealed that she had promptly notified the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) on January 14, 2025, providing a detailed report on the incident. She also revealed that other wellheads in the vicinity are leaking, exacerbating the risk of further fire outbreaks and posing serious environmental and safety challenges to the Bukuma community.

Banigo, who represents the Rivers West Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, emphasized the urgent need for action. She called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), its Joint Venture partners, and relevant government agencies to take responsibility for ensuring the proper maintenance of oil facilities, extinguishing the ongoing fire, and conducting a thorough investigation into the root causes of the incident. Moreover, she underscored the importance of implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“The lives and properties of our people, as well as the environment, must be safeguarded,” Senator Banigo stated. “This is a dire situation, and swift, decisive action is required.”

While she praised the local response efforts, including the swift intervention of the Director-General of NOSDRA, the Chairman of Degema Local Government Council, the NNPC team, and the Rivers State Government, Senator Banigo urged the local community to remain vigilant and refrain from any acts of sabotage that could further complicate the response to the crisis. She also lauded the efforts of environmental activists and community members who have taken to social media platforms, sharing live videos and raising awareness of the situation to a wider audience.

In a show of solidarity, Banigo disclosed that letters of complaint from the Paramount Ruler of the community had been sent to both the President and the Senate President. These letters, which outline the gravity of the situation, will be delivered to the appropriate authorities in a bid to garner swift action from the highest levels of government.

Senator Banigo reassured the residents of Bukuma that she would continue to advocate tirelessly for their well-being. “This situation is unacceptable, and I will not rest until this matter is resolved, the fire extinguished, and our environment restored to a safe and conducive state,” she vowed.

As part of her immediate response to the disaster, Senator Banigo revealed that relief materials had already been dispatched to the victims of the fire. These materials aim to provide some comfort and assistance to those who have been displaced by the ongoing inferno. Banigo emphasized that this is just the beginning of her efforts, pledging to do more to support the affected families as they attempt to rebuild their lives.

Read More: Pipeline Vandals Blamed for Buguma Wellhead Fire – NNPC

The senator also reiterated her commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders, mobilizing resources, and ensuring that the Bukuma community receives the necessary support to recover and restore normalcy. She called for calm and patience from the residents, promising that she would see the matter through to a resolution.

“I stand with you in these challenging times, and together, we will overcome this tragedy,” Senator Banigo concluded.

It bears mentioning that Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo has long been a strong advocate for environmental safety and community welfare, and this latest intervention underscores her continued dedication to the people of her constituency in Rivers West.

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