Renaissance, an indigenous oil and gas company, has officially denied reports of a gas explosion at its gas plant in Rivers State on Sunday.
The was disclosed in a statement by the Communications Manager at Renaissance, Bamidele Odugbesan.
This comes after earlier claims suggesting a blast at the Soku Gas Pipeline, which Renaissance operates.
The initial report cited Christian Otiasah, identified as an environmental manager in the Soku community, as a source.
However, Renaissance quickly clarified that there was no explosion or fire at its gas facility.
The company confirmed that operations were proceeding smoothly and that all its facilities remained secure.
“We wish to categorically state that there was no gas explosion or fire incident at our Soku facility. Our operations are ongoing without any disruption, and all safety protocols remain in place,” Odugbesan stated.
The company also reiterated its commitment to safety and environmental standards, assuring stakeholders and the public that its facilities undergo regular monitoring to prevent such incidents.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Soku community in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State has also denied reports of an explosion at the Soku gas facility, describing them as misleading and urging the public to disregard such claims.
In a statement issued by the general secretary of the community, Witness Alasia, called the reports “baseless and untrue,” reaffirming that the Soku Gas Plant is in perfect working condition.
“It is disheartening and worrisome that people will mischievously misinform the public with a baseless and untrue story. Soku Gas Plant is safe and in perfect working condition,” he stated.
Alasia however confirmed a fire outbreak along the Soku-Abua-Rumuji gas pipeline right of way but clarified that the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
