Nigerian authorities say single pipeline vandalism episode devastates community
02 January 2019
The Nigerian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that a large number of businesses were affected by the explosion and fire that consumed houses and cars in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State on December 19 caused by pipeline vandals trying to steal fuel. An assessment of the damage by NEMA has revealed that 320 shops, 78 vehicles and four residential buildings were destroyed in the fire.
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Unlike in many similar events, no lives were lost in this particular incident, Pulse Nigeria said in a report.
Other than the buildings, shops and cars, other infrastructure destroyed included electric poles, high-tension cables and drainage culverts.
The Lagos State Police Command has already arrested four suspects in connection to the pipeline vandalism that caused the explosion. The command's spokesperson said that the prime suspect is still at large and has been declared a wanted person.