Senate orders investigation into Abia pipeline explosion

The Senate on Wednesday ordered an investigation into the pipeline explosion that killed 150 persons in Abia State.

The matter was raised on the floor of the Senate by Senator Theodore Orji on Wednesday. Citing order 42 & 52, Orji said the explosion in Abia State was due to the negligence of duty by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation staff.

Saraki said “The committees should treat this matter with the seriousness that it deserves. The Committee on Petroleum Resources and Police Affairs should perform a proper investigation and make recommendations to the Senate in 2-weeks. We must also find out what the federal government is doing about this issue”

The Senate then resolved to, order NEMA to send relief materials to the affected communities; order the oil depots to commence immediate repairs of the leakages; direct the Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream and Police Affairs to conduct a proper investigation and make recommendations; observe a minute silence in honour of the deceased; and finally direct that the Senate should send a delegation to the Abia State Government and the affected community.