There were two different pipeline explosions in Arepo area of Ogun State and Elepete Imagbon near Ikorodu in Lagos State on Sunday.
Both explosions were said to have started from the activities of pipeline vandals, who have been a terror to residents of Arepo Estate in Ogun State.
Fire fighters and emergency workers, who were at the scene, had serious difficulty accessing the point of explosion for fear of being attacked by vandals, who might be hiding in the creek .
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that both incidents occurred around the same time but the Imagbon fire was more serious, as it raged till Sunday evening.
A resident of the area, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune, under the condition of anonymity, wondered if the government would be able to conquer the activities of the pipeline vandals.
The resident stated that the explosion occurred around 5 30 on Sunday morning and added that though the houses of residents at the estate were not directly affected , the security implication was fearful.
“Apart from the vibration to some of the houses that are close to the creek, there was no major impact on our houses,’’ the resident said.
He narrated “I think the fire started around 5 30 in the morning. All we just heard was a sudden loud explosion and the next thing we saw was thick smoke around that area.’’ The resident wondered whether “the government will be able to conquer this people. They are not afraid of the security men. They come anytime they want.’’
The Imagbon fire was also said to have started after the suspected vandals had punctured the pipeline at Arepo and needed more products.
The image maker in charge of the Ogun State command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kareem Olanrewaju, confirmed the explosion at Elepete.
He said: “The explosion did not occur on the soil of Arepo. From the investigation conducted by our men, it was discovered that where the explosion occurred is called Elepete village in Ikorodu, a boundary with Arepo.’’
Ibrahim Farinloye , the spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency confirmed both explosions to the Nigerian Tribune and added that fire fighters had to go through Ikorodu for fear of being attacked by vandals
He added that the fire near Arepo was put out early on Sunday morning , while the terrain of the Imagbon fire made it difficult for fire fighters to assess the scene on time
