Anotech Global Company Nigeria Limited an indigenous oil company has called for proper investigation and probe as spected hoodlums attack OML 16, operated by Sterling Global Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Advance Oil Production Systems Ltd (AOPSL)/NNPCL Joint Venture. The targeted location is situated in the Ochia-Awara/Assa community of Imo State, Nigeria, where Anotech lost equipment worth over 500million naira.
Impeccable police sources have confirmed that the incident specifically occurred at the premises of Anotech Global Company Nigeria Limited, an indigenous oil and gas pipelines/facilities construction and installation company. Anotech is currently overseeing a 23km pipeline installation project, spanning multiple communities including Obitti, Ochia, Awala, Assa, Obile Ana, and Ada Palm within Imo State.
The invaders wreaked havoc on Anotech’s site, resulting in the destruction of valuable equipment. This includes an excavator, a selfloader truck, several 150kva electric generators, over 20 welding machines, various sizes of grinding machines, welding tents, and numerous toolboxes and control panels. The estimated value of the equipment lost in the arson attack is staggering, totaling over N500 million.
Anotech’s Site Manager, Mr. Patrick Egwuatu, provided a harrowing account of the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday. He asserted that the unidentified culprits deliberately set fire to the company’s facilities. Egwuatu revealed that the incident had been promptly reported to the representatives of the client, Sterling Global Nigeria Limited, as well as the leadership of the host communities and the Imo State Police Command.
In his statement titled, “Incident Report On The Fire Outbreak On The AOPSL 18 Row Assa Site,” Egwuatu recounted the events as follows: “At 7:22 pm on the evening of August 31, 2023, I received a phone call from one of our site night security personnel, Mr. Abuchi Elelu, who informed me that our selfloader vehicle, along with two 150KVA generators powering approximately ten inverter welding machines, two toolboxes, several grinding machines, and consumables such as electrodes and welding cables, were on fire.”
Egwuatu continued, “He stated that he doesn’t know how the fire started and that it was very sudden. He and the three other security personnel sought refuge in the nearby bushes, unsure if the perpetrators were armed. Judging from the position of the equipment, one can estimate that the incident took place at about 1.150km [100 pipe lengths] from Ochia-Awara/Assa Community.”
The Site Manager wasted no time in alerting his colleagues, notifying the company’s base office, and informing the site client representatives, Mr. Ernest and Mr. Vishal. He also reached out to the Assa PG (President General) to apprise him of the dire situation.
In a passionate appeal, Mr. Egwuatu beseeched law enforcement agencies, particularly the Imo State Police Command, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and bring the arsonists to justice. His heartfelt plea resonated with the gravity of the situation, as the destruction of vital equipment represents a substantial setback for the ongoing project and the affected communities.
Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Mr. Stephen Olanrewaju, was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting. Nevertheless, reliable sources within the command have confirmed that an investigation is already underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding this disturbing act of arson.
