• As state govt condemns attacks
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Some yet unidentified gunmen on Friday attacked the 24-inch gas pipeline between Angiama and Angiamagbene in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The attack was said to have caused substantial damage to the oil facility, fuelling panic in the oil industry.
The motive for the attack is yet to be established, but security agencies have swung into action, probing the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Security sources attached to the Joint Task Force code-named Operation Delta Safe said a reinforcement of troops had been deployed to the area.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State government has condemned the attack on the gas pipeline in the state. The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku- Obiyai in a statement: ‘Bayelsa Government condemns criminal damage of gas pipeline’ said the state government is working with security agencies to apprehend those behind the attack.
While pointing out the danger of the destruction of oil assets, which can lead to a huge loss of revenue to the federal, state, and local governments, she urged youths in the state to resist the temptation to engage in destructive activities.
The statement read in part: ‘’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 law enforcement agencies.
“The damage to public assets does not only result 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.”