The Akwa Ibom Police Command has attributed the explosion of the NNPC gas pipeline in Nsit-Ibom Local Government Area of the State to a technical fault, saying that claims by the Niger Delta Avengers militant group that it blew up the oil facility, was false.

The militants had on Monday morning, in statement, claimed responsibility for the gas pipeline explosion, saying it blew it up at about 11 pm on Sunday.

However, Murtala Mani, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police confirmed the explosion, but said it was caused by a technical fault and not any militant attack.

“It is confirmed that there is an explosion in Obotim Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.

“People from the pipeline confirmed that the pipelines are old and overdue for servicing. There are technical problems in the gas pipeline,’’ Mani said.

“This is no militancy attack. Our men are on ground and the fire service had put off the fire,” he added.

The Police Commissioner said that there was no casualty and no house was destroyed as a result of the explosion, adding that his officers and men were on ground and that the area was well-cordoned.

“Our men are putting finishing touches, our people are completely on ground and the place is well cordoned and secured.

“We are waiting for the experts to give us their reports, so that we can write our report too on the incident,’’ Mani said.