The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has restricted movement around Ikotun and Igando areas of Lagos State, following a spillage of petrol from a ruptured pipeline in the area.

The pipeline leakage was purportedly from activities of vandals.

Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Acting Zonal Coordinator, South West Zonal Office, NEMA, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Farinloye appealed to the Ikotun Market population not to open for businesses, due to the incident.

He also advised residents of Igando and Ikotun, affected by the spillage to desist from using any flammable lighter of whatever nature, to prevent explosion.

According to him, the ruptured pipeline has been repaired but its content has spread to other areas, through the drainage system.

He said: ” About 4.30a.m, we received a a report of fuel spillage at Omoboriowo St. on Igando road axis, with petrol spilling inside gutters and drainages.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Lagos State Fire Service were contacted.

“NNPC shut down the valves to suffocate the supply of further content.

“Efforts are ongoing to decapitate the efficacy of the Premium Motor Spirit, in order to prevent explosion.

“The spilled content in the drainage system have been traced up to Ikotun.”

Farinloye assured residents that blanketing operations were ongoing, to prevent explosion.

He said officials of NEMA, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Fire Unit, Lagos state fire service and the Police were on ground to monitor the situation.

There was panic in the Ikotun area of Lagos State on Friday following the leakage.

Residents said they noticed the leakage around 6am on Friday.

According to them, the situation led to confusion and fear in the area.

It was learnt that occupants of nearby buildings rushed out of their houses while some immediately offloaded their belongings.

“We have immediately called Lagos State emergency line when the situation happened. We were scared and hope that this does not lead to a fire outbreak.

“Some people are parking their belongings already. Vehicles around the area have been moved away,” one of the residents told our correspondent on the telephone.

The Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said this while confirming the incident.

He said, “Upon arrival at the incident scene, Omoboriowo Street, Pipeline Bus Stop Igando-Ikotun Road, Igando, it was observed that a very large volume of PMS was gushing out of the NNPC pipeline.

“Further investigation revealed that the heavy flow of PMS was caused by suspected pipeline vandalism and bunkering in the early hours of August 27.

“Presently, there is no loss of life and property, serious sensitization, public education and awareness are ongoing in the entire community.

“This is to avoid any form of open flame and burning in order to avoid any form of explosion or any other secondary incident.

“Responders at the incident scene are LASEMA, LRU Fire, Lagos State Fire Service, NSCDC, NNPC, LASTMA and LNSC.

“Three fire trucks are currently on the ground, while the NNPC maintenance team is working to stop the flow in order to commence repairs. Operations are still ongoing.”