The Bayelsa State Government has issued a strong condemnation of the recent vandalism of the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch Gas Pipeline, located between Angiama and Angiamagbene in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Describing the act as “criminal damage,” the government has vowed to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
In a statement released on Friday by the state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government highlighted the serious implications of such acts, which it termed as economic sabotage. The statement did not specify the facility’s ownership, and attempts to contact local sources were hampered by poor network signals in Yenagoa. However, it is understood that the pipeline was formerly operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
Koku-Obiyai stated, “This act of economic sabotage will not be tolerated,” and emphasized that the state government is collaborating closely with security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible. The Commissioner urged citizens to recognize their role in protecting national assets and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
The statement further noted that damage to public infrastructure not only leads to significant revenue losses for federal, state, and local governments but also poses grave environmental risks. Exposure to natural gas and petrochemicals can lead to serious health challenges for the community.
The government is calling on the youth of Bayelsa to resist the temptation to engage in destructive activities and to instead contribute positively to the community. “Together, we can achieve the prosperity agenda of the government and develop infrastructure to attract investment,” Koku-Obiyai added.
