Oando Plc has attributed the June 27 oil spill from its Azuzuama-1 flowline in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa to suspected third-party sabotage.

The company made this known in a statement on Tuesday by its General Manager, Corporate Communications, Alero Balogun.

Ms Balogun said the spill occurred along the company’s four-inch Azuzuama-1 flowline at the Azuzuama community.

She said Oando immediately activated its emergency response team to contain the spill in line with established response protocols and regulatory requirements.

According to her, the company worked with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment and representatives of the host community.

She said the collaboration facilitated the statutory Joint Investigation Visit as well as containment, repair and remediation efforts.

Mr Balogun said an Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement test conducted on the affected section of the flowline during the technical investigation indicated evidence consistent with induced corrosion caused by third-party interference, commonly described as sabotage.

She said the finding was affirmed by the regulatory authorities that participated in the investigation.

According to her, repairs to the damaged section of the flowline were completed on July 19 after stakeholders restored access to the site.

Mr Balogun said environmental cleanup and remediation activities were ongoing in line with applicable environmental standards and regulatory requirements.

She reaffirmed Oando’s commitment to safe and responsible operations, environmental protection and continued collaboration with regulators and host communities.

She added that the company would ensure the timely completion of remediation activities while maintaining the integrity of its operations.

 (NAN)