Business
‘No Lives Lost In Nembe Creek Fire’
Contrary to media reports that scores of people were missing in the fire incident that gutted Nembe Creek Well-7 last Friday, The Tide investigation has shownt hat no lives were lost.
Initial reports in the press claimed that scores of people were missing in the incidence, which caused tension among the indigenes of the communities in the area.
However, a source close to the company, who spoke from the area said the initial media reports on the incidence were untrue.
“Although we are still investigating the cause of the fire, what has been reported in the media is largely false and misleading. We have confirmed from the community that no lives were lost, no property was damaged, and nobody is missing,” the source said.
It was learnt that Nigerian energy giant, Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCo) successfully quelled the inferno, thereby averting danger to the communities in the area.
The fire started in the early hours of Friday March 1, 2019 behind Mile 1 community in Bayelsa State.
According to sources close to the site, Aiteo responded to emergency calls from the community and mobilized its team to the area. It was later discovered that the fire was caused by an explosion at the oil company’s Well-7, which produces about 3,500 barrels per day.
The fire went out around 1:30 pm on Friday, dousing the panic earlier generated by the incidence in the community.
“Fortunately for the company, the fire was at a location where there were no human elements and other assets belonging to the community. The fire was pretty much under control within a few hours without damage to anyone. The report in the media alluding to loss of life is just sensational reporting,” the source added.
These assertions have also been corroborated by some members of the community, who blamed the media reports on some unscrupulous individuals.
“Aiteo is trying its best and has always done so to have a cordial working relationship with the community. Contrary to the earlier media reports, we have not recorded any deaths in this incidence. However, there will be certain elements who have criminalized these things and will continue to look for ways to siphon money through them,” a community member who pleaded anonymity said.
“Now, things are calm and peaceful, and the company is free to carry on work as usual. I’m sure any moment from now the facility will be working as they usually move fast to fix these things,” he added.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.