Residents of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers have dismissed a report that a fresh pipeline explosion had occurred in the community, assuring that no such incident took place.
There had been viral a report on Wednesday – yesterday, March 19 – claiming that militants had attacked two oil facilities in the area, which further heightened security concerns.
However, residents of Iloamatoru community, the purported site of the alleged explosion, refuted the claim, describing it as the work of mischief makers attempting to exploit the political crisis in the State.
Chief Wari-Alabo Pollyn, Head of the Pollyn Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom, stated that no explosion had taken place recently in the area.
“We are here in the community, and nothing of such happened – at least not to my knowledge,” he confirmed.
Similarly, Daniel Pollyn, a former Chairman of the Iloamatoru Security Surveillance Committee, also denied any pipeline attack in the area.
According to him, the community remains peaceful and does not tolerate violence.
“I can confirm that no such incident has occurred here.
“No flow station or oil facility is on fire or has exploded, as falsely reported,” he added.
According to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, could not be reached for comment, as she did not respond to calls or messages.
