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 Ogboinbiri/OB-OB gas pipeline, which is a 24-inch gas pipeline is formerly operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company but Oando plc had since acquired it.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State government has vowed to work in collaboration with security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, in a statement on Friday, said the government will not tolerate such act of economic sabotage in the state.
She said: “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
“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.
“The damage to public assets does not only results in revenue loss to federal, state, and local governments but also poses grave environmental dangers. Exposure to natural gas and petrochemicals can constitute significant health challenges to citizens.
“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.”(Daily trust)
