Another 50 people feared dead after a leaking oil pipeline explodes in Bayelsa State

OVER 50 are feared dead in Bayelsa State after a leaking oil Aiteo Group pipeline exploded and caused a stampede in the Nembe area leading to fears that there have been numerous casualties in the disaster.

Nigeria's ageing pipelines have long been a danger in oil-producing areas, as many of them have been replaced since independence. Internationally, oil pipelines generally have a lifespan of 10 years after which they are supposed to be replaced but with no such maintenance culture in Nigeria, leaks and explosions are common.

On Friday, the latest calamity struck causing a massive oil spillage in the Nembe kingdom in Bayelsa State, Nembe Chiefs Council spokesman, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, revealed that the Nembe trunk line is operated by the Port Harcourt-based Aiteo Group and carries crude to the Bonny export terminal.

It was not immediately clear if the pipeline had been shut down after a large blaze from the ruptured facility occurred. Nigerian oil companies usually assert that the majority of oil spills are caused by sabotage, theft and illegal refining

This is the second major such disaster this year, as in January, an overturned oil tanker exploded in Odukpani in Cross River State. Police said at least 12 people were killed while some witnesses estimated up to 60 were dead in that explosion.