The lndependent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Ejigbo Satellite Depot, has raised alarm over incessant pipelines vandalism at Idimu, Alimosho Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
Depot Chairman, Akin Akinrinade, yesterday told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that some vandals, who were found scooping petrol on System 2B pipeline in front of Goodluck Estate, Idimu, absconded while the security agents tried to apprehend them.
Akinrinade said: “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 Goodluck 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 JND162XA belonging to one R. A. Oluwakemi, a marketer, loading at Ibadan depot was apprehended at the scene of petrol scooping in Idimu.
“The truck was painted in blue and white colour, with registration number JND162XA and was apprehended at the scene of the vandalism,” he added.
According to Akinrinade, IPMAN appreciated the effort 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.
He urged the security agencies involved in investigating the unpatriotic act to take the investigation to a logical conclusion for justice to be served appropriately.”
The marketer said the residents also have the duty to protect these critical government infrastructures and provide credible and timely intelligence to IPMAN and security agencies regarding the pipelines.
Akinrinade said that the vandals absconded, while all their scooping equipments and the truck were abandoned.
According to him, the items abandoned have been taken to Idimu Area “M” Command by the security agents.
“This is not the first time vandals had been arrested and truck recovered at the scene of this nefarious act are found back on the road within a short time.
“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 pipeline network should also assist in patrolling around the axis,’’ he said.
Akinrinade advised that security agents, saddled with the responsibility of protecting the pipelines, to have relationships with IPMAN executives and the traditional rulers in those communities.
He called on the Federal Government to impose tougher penalties against petroleum pipeline vandals.
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 communities along pipelines network to always ensure that suspects apprehended were handed over to the security agencies.