​Shell says f​ire at Kolo creek fields in Bayelsa extinguished​

The fire incident that engulfed the Kolo Creek-Rumekpe pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company in Oruma, Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa on Monday has been put out, the company says.

The incident occurred barely five days after an oil leak from Shells Kolo Creek Manifold.

A PREMIUM TIMES c​orrespondent who visited the site on Monday observed that the fire burn​ed​
along the pipeline’s right of way leaving thick fog heading towards the sky.

The SPDC’s spokesperson, Joseph Obari, in a statement on Friday said the incident had been contained. He said the incident might have been induced by oil thieves.

“Another leak/fire was reported on April 20 on the Kolo Creek–Rumuekpe trunk line, about 5 kms from the manifold.

“The fire has been extinguished; site observation confirmed a recently excavated ditch at the fire point.

“SPDC has expressed concern at the brazen damage of its facilities in parts of the Delta.

“It commended the Bayelsa State Government for its support and called on communities and other stakeholders to join hands in the efforts to discourage the trend,” Obari stated.

Officials of the Bayelsa Ministry of Environment had visited the scene for an on–the-spot assessment while the fire raged on Monday.