A group of hoodlums, believed to be oil thieves, recently damaged the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch gas pipeline in Bayelsa State. The pipeline, which was previously managed by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, is now under the ownership of Oando Plc. The pipeline runs between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

The Bayelsa State Government strongly condemned the act, calling it an economic sabotage. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the state’s Commissioner for Information, issued a statement saying the government would work with security agencies to find and arrest those responsible.

She emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and that protecting national assets is everyone’s responsibility.

Koku-Obiyai also pointed out the negative impact of the pipeline damage, including loss of government revenue and serious environmental and health risks.

She warned that exposure to natural gas and petrochemicals can harm people’s health. She urged the public, especially the youth, to avoid participating in destructive acts and to help protect public assets.

The government is focused on preventing such incidents in the future and ensuring the safety and security of public infrastructure.