The Bayela Police Command, southern Nigeria, said two bodies are still missing out of the 12 victims of Thursday’s crude oil pipeline explosion which occurred in Agip’s field in Bayelsa.

Mr Asinim Butswat, the Bayelsa Police Command spokesman, said that search and rescue efforts had since been activated, but yet to yield any result.

“On Thursday, June 9, 2015, at about 1600hrs, a pipeline exploded while Agip staff were carrying out routine maintenance on Tebidaba-Clough line, in Southern Ijaw LGA.

“Twelve persons were burnt beyond recognition, which included a soldier on guard duty amongst others.

“Four persons were rescued alive and are undergoing treatment, while two persons are still missing. Search for the missing persons is ongoing,” Butswat said.

Officials of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), representatives of the host community and Bayelsa Ministry of Environment, were investigating the cause of a recent oil spill in the area when the explosion occurred.