The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Ejigbo Satellite Depot, has raised alarm over incessant activities of pipeline vandalism at Idimu, Alimosho Local Council Development Area of Lagos.
IPMAN Ejigbo Satellite Depot Chairman, Akin Akinrinade, disclosed that some vandals were found scooping petrol on the System 2B pipeline in front of Good Luck Estate, Idimu.
Akinrinade said, “IPMAN Satellite Depot is constrained with a heavy heart to announce the vandalisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited 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 belonging to 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 added.
Akinrinade said IPMAN appreciated the effort of the security agencies in apprehending the culprits.
He said, “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 and the Nigerian Navy are also appreciated for their efforts.”
He, however, urged the security agencies involved in investigating the unpatriotic act, to take the investigation to a logical conclusion and justice was 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 these critical government infrastructures 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 said.
Akinrinade said that the vandals absconded, while all their scooping equipment and the trucks were abandoned.
According to him, the items abandoned had been taken to Idimu Area “M” Command by the security agents.
He said, “We appeal to the police to do justice and bring the culprits to justice. This is not the first time vandals had been arrested and trucks recovered at the scene of this nefarious act are found back on the road within a short time.”
The chairman condemned the 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 duties, by ensuring that such acts were brought to an end.
He advised that the culprits should be dealt with within the law.
According to him, “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.’’
Akinrinade advised that security agents, saddled with the responsibility of protecting the pipelines, should have relationships with IPMAN executives and the traditional rulers in those communities.
