Reps Seek NNPC Intervention In Caritas University Inferno

The House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) to as a matter of urgency put out the inferno at the premises of Caritas University, Amorji Nike in Enugu State.

The House also called on NNPC and its subsidiaries, the Department of Petroleum Resources and all relevant agencies to undertake a detailed study of the environmental impact of the fire.

These calls were sequel to a motion of urgent public importance raised at plenary on Wednesday by Toby Okechukwu, the deputy minority leader of the House

Okechukwu explained that the unending fire suspected to be fueled by methane gas has been on for over twenty-one (21) days.

He further noted that the fire which has claimed one life, reportedly started on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, after borehole drillers engaged by the university struck a gas belt after about 1,242 feet below the earth.

The member representing Aninri/Oji River Federal Constituency of Enugu State noted that all efforts by the Nigerian Civil and Defense Corps (NSCDC), Federal and State Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its State counterpart (SEMA) to put out the fire has failed, including pouring over twelve (12) tanks of water with four (4) drums of chemicals.

He said since the fire started, there has been no known intervention from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) or any of its agencies.

He further noted that pursuant to the laws, the federal government is responsible for underground mineral resources and deposits.