Some suspected arsonists have attacked the site of OML 16 operated by Sterling Global Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Advance Oil Production Systems Ltd (AOPSL)/NNPCL Joint Venture in the Ochia-Awara/Assa community of Imo State.
The incident occurred at a contractor’s location, Anotech Global Company Nigeria Limited, an indigenous oil and gas pipelines/facilities construction and installation company.
Anotech is handling a 23-km pipeline installation, which cuts across several communities, including Obitti, Ochia, Awala, Assa, Obile Ana and Ada Palm communities of Imo State.
It was gathered that equipment burnt by arsonists comprised an excavator, self-loader truck, several 150kva electric generators, more than 20 welding machines, cable grinding machines, welding tents and tools boxes control panels, all valued at over N500 million.
Anotech’s Site Manager, Mr Patrick Egwuatu, issued a statement on Wednesday, saying the invaders wilfully set the company’s facilities ablaze.
Egwuatu said the incident had been reported to the client’s representatives, Sterling Global Nigeria Limited, leadership of the host communities and the Imo State Police Command.
He added that the burnt oil equipment littered the Assa work site of Anotech.
In the statement titled, “Incident Report On The Fire Outbreak On The AOPSL 18” Row Assa Site, Egwuatu, said: “At 7:22 pm this evening, 31st August 2023, I received a phone call from one of our site night security men, Mr. Abuchi Elelu, who informed me that our selfloader vehicle with 2 nos. 150KVA generators powering about 10nos inverter welding machines, 2nos tool boxes, many grinding machines, and many consumables such as electrodes and welding cables, etc., were on fire.
“He said that he doesn’t know how the fire started. That it was very sudden. He and the 3 other security men hid in the bush as they were unsure if the perpetrator/s were armed.
“Judging from the position of the equipment, one can estimate that the incident took place at about 1.150km [100 pipe lengths] from the Ochia-Awara/Assa Community.
“After receiving the news, I called my colleagues and informed them about the incident. I called my base office and informed them. I also notified the site client reps Mr. Ernest and Mr. Vishal. I also informed the Assa PG.”
Mr. Patrick Egwuatu. Site manager, called in the law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.”
Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Mr Stephen Olanrewaju, could not be reached for his comment, but competent sources said an investigation had begun into the incident.
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