‘Pipeline vandalism must be curbed’

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Mr. Dakuku Peterside, has called for investigations into the pipeline vandalism in Arepo, Ogun State and Oviadge, Oghara in Delta State.

Peterside, in a statement yesterday, said pipeline vandals and their sponsors must be condemned, adding that it would not augur well for the country to fold its arms while innocent lives are wasted.

The lawmaker said pipeline vandalism should be treated as a national emergency, adding that there was a nexus between pipeline vandalism and poverty.

He said: “In recent weeks, we have witnessed deaths and infractions occasioned by attacks on our oil pipelines across the country. For instance, in Arepo, a town in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, many people died recently following an attack by suspected pipeline vandals.

“Yesterday (Sunday), another vandalism was reported by the Joint Task Force (JTF) at Oviadge. Vandalism poses grave security, health and environmental risks and the economic consequences are enormous.

“Recently, one person was killed and many injured when a fuel tanker exploded at Mbiama on the East/West Road in Rivers State. This is because our pipelines are not safe and functional. The deceased, it was learnt, was selling drinks at a spot close to the scene of the accident.

“This accident occurred seven months after several people, who were scooping fuel from a damaged tanker in the same area, died in an explosion. The tanker accident on the Mbiama axis of the East-West Road brings to the fore the need to fix the road.

“These deaths are needless. Pipeline vandalism must be treated as a national emergency. Its relationship with joblessness and poverty is worrisome.

“My grievance is with those who vandalise our pipelines. I condemn the sponsors and perpetrators of this evil. Pipelines are used all over the world to distribute petroleum products. Nigeria should not be an exception.

“This sabotage on our commonwealth has continued for too long because culprits have not been sanctioned. I urge security agencies to protect our oil facilities.

“Managing our oil resources, with regard to distribution, poses great risk to people. I decry these ugly incidents that took the lives of Nigerians. Something must be done to address this issue, if we hope to advance our cause of building a great nation.

“I commiserate with the families, who lost their loved ones, the Rivers State Government and Nigerians in general.”