The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) says the fire incident at two oil wells operated by Eroton Exploration and Production Limited (EEPL) in Rivers State has been contained.
In an update on the situation of the fire earlier reported, Mr Idris Musa, Director-General of NOSDRA, said that the fire at Akaso Wells 14 and 4T Wellhead has been put out.
He, however, said that the fire at the second well, Akaso Well 4, is still burning.
Musa said that, following the notification of the incident to the agency, the company, officials of the spills agency alongside the oil firm’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) were immediately mobilised to the site.
“An illegal boat was observed at the location, which was suspected to be engaged in oil theft. The boat has been completely burnt but the fire on the boat has been extinguished.
“The two Wells are, however, still on fire until the vendor arrives to extinguish it,” Musa said.
The Director-General said that a situation room was created by the company for effective communication with all relevant stakeholders.
According to him, NOSDRA has subsequently directed the company to give a two-hourly update on the incident.
By Nathan Nwakamma
