Oando blames sabotage for Bayelsa leak, ramps up clean-up
Energy giant Oando PLC has attributed a recent oil leak at its Azuzuama-1 flowline in Bayelsa State to third-party sabotage, confirming that repair works are complete and environmental remediation is underway.
The incident, which occurred on 27 June along the 4-inch flowline at the Azuzuama Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by Alero Balogun, General Manager of Corporate Communications at Oando PLC.
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
Energy giant Oando PLC has attributed a recent oil leak at its Azuzuama-1 flowline in Bayelsa State to third-party sabotage, confirming that repair works are complete and environmental remediation is underway.
The incident, which occurred on 27 June along the 4-inch flowline at the Azuzuama Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by Alero Balogun, General Manager of Corporate Communications at Oando PLC.
Technical investigations, including an Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) test on the damaged section, revealed evidence consistent with induced corrosion caused by external interference. According to Balogun, regulatory authorities participating in the statutory Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) affirmed the finding of sabotage.
Following the leak, Oando immediately activated its emergency response team to contain the spill in line with regulatory requirements. Working alongside the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, and community representatives, the company secured the site and completed repairs on 19 July after access was restored by local stakeholders.
“Environmental clean-up and remediation activities are currently ongoing in strict compliance with applicable environmental standards and regulatory framework,” Balogun stated.
She reaffirmed Oando’s commitment to safe, responsible operations and host community collaboration, assuring stakeholders that remediation efforts will be completed promptly to protect the local ecosystem.
