Vandals have struck again in Bayelsa State, blowing up a key gas export pipeline operated by Oando, an oil company linked to the Tinubu family. The attack occurred shortly after the visit of Mrs. Remi Tinubu, wife of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, to the state, sparking concerns about the security of national assets in the region.
The pipeline targeted in the attack is the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch Gas Pipeline, located between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The pipeline is crucial to Nigeria’s gas export operations, as it feeds natural gas to the Nigeria Liquid Natural Gas (NLNG) export facility in Bonny, Rivers State. This makes the pipeline an essential asset for Nigeria’s energy sector and a key contributor to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The attack occurred just a day after Mrs. Remi Tinubu left Bayelsa following her official visit. The state government was swift to respond to the incident, condemning the act of vandalism and expressing its strong opposition to such economic sabotage. The attack has raised concerns about the security of oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta, a region that has long been plagued by pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy in Bayelsa State, issued a statement on Friday, condemning the destruction of the gas pipeline. She described the incident as an act of economic sabotage and warned that such actions would not be tolerated by the state government. She further emphasized that the government was working closely with security agencies to track down those responsible for the attack and prevent future incidents.
“This act of economic sabotage will not be tolerated,” Koku-Obiyai said in her statement. “The 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 the law enforcement agencies.”
The commissioner also highlighted the severe consequences of vandalizing public infrastructure, particularly the risks posed to the environment and public health. She pointed out that exposure to natural gas and petrochemicals could result in significant health hazards for the local population, further aggravating the impact of the attack.
“The damage to public assets does not only result in revenue loss to federal, state, and local governments but also poses grave environmental dangers,” Koku-Obiyai explained. “Exposure to natural gas and petrochemicals can constitute significant health challenges to citizens.”
This pipeline bombing marks another chapter in the ongoing issue of pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, a region that has been the center of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry for decades. Pipeline sabotage, oil theft, and illegal refining have long been issues that have crippled the region’s economy, leading to significant losses in revenue for both the federal government and oil companies operating in the area.
Vandalism of critical infrastructure, especially pipelines, has had a devastating effect on the country’s energy supply, causing disruptions in gas and oil exports. The recent attack on the Oando pipeline is another reminder of the vulnerability of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and the need for stronger security measures to protect national assets.
While the exact motives behind the bombing have not been confirmed, incidents like these are often linked to various factors, including militancy, local grievances, and economic sabotage. Some individuals and groups in the Niger Delta region have long claimed that they do not benefit from the region’s oil wealth, despite the environmental degradation and security challenges they face as a result of the oil industry. This sense of marginalization has fueled a cycle of unrest and attacks on oil infrastructure.
In the wake of this latest incident, the Bayelsa State government has called on the youth in the region to refrain from engaging in destructive activities that damage public infrastructure. Koku-Obiyai urged the youth to resist the temptation to engage in violence and instead work with the government to ensure peace and security in the state. She also called for collective action in the protection of public assets and the promotion of economic growth through peace and stability.
“Let us work together to ensure the safety and security of our public assets and prevent future occurrences of economic sabotage,” Koku-Obiyai said.
This call for peace and cooperation comes at a critical time for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, as the country continues to face significant challenges in maintaining the security of its energy infrastructure. The ongoing threat of pipeline vandalism and oil theft has led to calls for more robust security measures, greater community engagement, and better management of the region’s resources to address underlying grievances.
The attack on Oando’s gas pipeline is also notable due to the company’s recent acquisition of the pipeline asset. Oando, a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, acquired the asset following the divestment by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, another oil firm with significant operations in the Niger Delta. This acquisition made Oando responsible for maintaining and operating the pipeline, which is now a target for vandals.
The bombing of the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi Gas Pipeline comes at a time when the Nigerian government has been working to address the issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. The government has implemented various measures, including increased security presence and efforts to promote community engagement, but these initiatives have yet to fully address the root causes of the problem.
As the investigation into the attack continues, the Bayelsa State government has reiterated its commitment to working with security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further acts of vandalism. The government has also called on citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities that could compromise the safety and security of public infrastructure.
The attack on Oando’s gas pipeline serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region. While the government continues its efforts to address these issues, the problem of pipeline vandalism remains a significant hurdle to Nigeria’s economic development and energy security.
