Lagos, July 10, 2023 – The Ejigbo Satellite Depot Branch of independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has raised the alarm over incessant activities of pipelines vandals at Idimu in Alimosho Local Council Development Area of Lagos.
The Branch Chairman, Mr Akin Akinrinade, said some vandals who were found of scooping petrol on System 2B pipeline in front of Good Luck Estate, Idimu.
“IPMAN Satellite Depot is constrained, with heavy heart, to announce the vandalisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) pipeline at Idimu in Alimosho LCDA, of Lagos State, in front of Good Luck Estate.
“This continuous vandalism is a setback to the effort of IPMAN and NNPCL to ensure uninterrupted supply of petrol to Lagos and the entire Southwest region of Nigeria.
“It is noteworthy that a 33,000 litre truck with registration number JND 162 XA belonging to one R. A. Oluwakemi, a marketer loading at Ibadan depot, was apprehended at the scene of petrol scooping in Idimu.
“The truck painted in blue and white colour, with registration number JND 162 XA was apprehended at the scene of the vandalism,” he said.
Akinrinade commended the efforts of the security agencies in apprehending the culprits.
“We underscore the immediate effort of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, the Area Commander, Area “M”, Idimu.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Navy are also appreciated for their efforts,” he said.
Akinrinade urged the security agencies involved in investigating the unpatriotic act to take the investigation to a logical conclusion so that justice would be served appropriately.
He called on Lagos State Government, whose duty it is to protect lives and properties within its jurisdiction, to be proactive in protecting the NNPCL pipelines, within the state.
The marketer said the residents also had the duty to protect this critical government infrastructure and provide credible and timely intelligence to IPMAN and security agencies regarding the pipelines.
“Together we can make Nigeria a better place for everyone,” he stressed.
Akinrinade said that the vandals absconded, but all their scooping equipment and trucks were abandoned.
According to him, the items abandoned have been taken to Idimu Area “M” Police Command by the security agents.
“We appeal to the police to do justice and bring the culprits to justice.
“This is not the first time that vandals have been arrested and truck recovered at the scene of this nefarious act, but they are found back on the road within a short time,” he said.
The branch chairman condemned activities of pipeline vandals in the area, adding that incessant pipeline vandalism was having negative effects on the country’s economic growth.
He urged security agents at the federal and state levels to live up to their responsibility by ensuring that the such acts were brought to an end.
He advised that the culprits should be dealt with according to the law.
“We at the Ejigbo Satellite Depot are ready to lend a helping hand to security agents in bringing pipeline vandalism to a halt.
“We have adopted a system that does not encourage vandalism. Security agents close to where pipeline network should also assist in patrolling around the axis,’’ he said.
Akinrinade advised security agents, saddled with the responsibility of protecting the pipelines, to relate with IPMAN executives and the traditional rulers in those communities.
He called on the Federal Government to impose tougher penalties on petroleum pipeline vandals, saying the act had affected the socio-economic growth of the nation.
Akinrinade said IPMAN would also support government’s efforts to ensure that the pipelines were continuously monitored.
According to him, anyone caught, trying to sabotage oil facilities, will be handed over to the law enforcement agency to face appropriate sanctions.
He urged community along pipelines network to always ensure that suspect apprehended are handed over to the security agents.
Akinrinade assured that IPMAN members would always be ready to support NNPCL by reporting any suspicious activity around pipelines and other oil and gas facilities.
He, however, said that the corporation, on its part, should do everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and property around its facilities. (GBN)
