Hoodlums suspected to be oil thieves have vandalized the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch gas pipeline between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The pipeline, formerly operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, has since been acquired by Oando Plc.
Reacting to the incident, the Bayelsa State Government has condemned the attack and pledged to collaborate with security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators. Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, issued a statement on Friday describing the act as economic sabotage that the government will not tolerate.
“The Bayelsa State Government wishes to condemn the criminal damage of the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch Gas Pipeline between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. This act of economic sabotage will not be tolerated,” she said.
“Government is working closely with security agencies to apprehend those responsible and prevent future occurrences. The public should note that the protection of national assets is a collective responsibility, and we urge all citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities around public assets to the law enforcement agencies.”
She warned that the damage to the pipeline not only results in revenue loss for federal, state, and local governments but also poses serious environmental and health risks. “Exposure to natural gas and petrochemicals can constitute significant health challenges to citizens,” she noted.
Koku-Obiyai also appealed to young people in the state to refrain from engaging in acts of destruction. “We urge the youth in the state to resist the temptation to engage in destructive activities and instead work with the administration to sustain peace and protect public infrastructure. Together, we can achieve the prosperity agenda of the government and develop infrastructure to attract investment.”
“Let us work together to ensure the safety and security of our public assets and prevent future occurrences of economic sabotage.”