Rivers explosion: Civil Defence condemn pipeline vandalism

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, has condemned pipeline vandalism, which triggered a fire explosion on December 23, at Obrikom Obiafu 1 & 2, in Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Council of the state.

The Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, in a statement by Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Ayodele, said preliminary investigation showed that some unscrupulous elements manoeuvred their way to the pipeline, vandalised it, and started scooping fuel.

According to him, the explosion would not have occurred, if the Nigerian Agip Oil Company pipelines were not vandalised by the desperate individuals.
He said the content being scooped was condensate; a liquid substance that’s very close to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). However, under close observation, it is a bit different from PMS.

He added that during the explosion, about four farm plantations were destroyed, while 12 people lost their lives and others were badly injured.
He said: “We would continue to partner with sister security agencies, most especially the already constituted Joint Security Task Force, to combat the menace of illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State.

“All these could be avoided if our people in Rivers State consciously and truly understand that any act of vandalism or attack against oil pipelines and other critical infrastructure would definitely have a degrading and debilitating effect on the community, the life and property of people, and the nation’s economy at large.”

Igwebueze also disclosed that operatives of the Anti Vandal Squad under his watch destroyed seven illegal oil dumps and arrested over 292 suspects.

He regretted the unrepentant behaviour of those engaging in pipeline vandalism and other illegal oil bunkering activities, stressing that both the waterways and land were being patrolled to ensure effective security and protection of all critical national assets and infrastructure in Rivers State.

The Commandant, meanwhile, commiserated with families of the deceased and those who sustained injuries.