Borehole drilling causes gas flare in Enugu

The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) says it has received reports of gas leak which has engulfed into a fire in Emene, Enugu State.

Mr Idris Musa, Director-General of NOSDRA, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the gas leakage was caused by water drilling activities which hit a gas reservoir at Emene in Enugu.

Musa, who described the flammable gas discharged as natural gas, said that emergency response efforts were underway to avert disaster from the incident.

“There is a natural gas problem at a borehole drilling point at Caritas University, Emene, Enugu.

“In the course of drilling very deep to reach the aquifer, the drilling hit the gas level.

“The Chief Executive of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commision (NUPRC) has been notified.

“The Zonal Head of National Emergency Management Agency has secured the assistance of both Federal and State Fire Services.

“Efforts are ongoing to secure more technical assistance to bring the situation under control,” Musa said.