A gas pipeline measuring 24 inches in diameter has been damaged in Bayelsa State’s Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The pipeline, which connects the Angiama and Angiamagbene communities, is part of the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi gas line.
Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Bayelsa, confirmed the damage on Friday, calling the act “criminal damage and economic sabotage.” The state government is now working closely with security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
In his statement, Koku-Obiyai emphasised the importance of community involvement in protecting national assets, urging citizens to be more vigilant. “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,” he said.
He also warned about the environmental and health risks posed by the destruction of public infrastructure, which has broader implications beyond financial loss. “The damage to public assets not only results 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.”
Koku-Obiyai also appealed to the youth in the state, urging them to focus on peace-building efforts rather than participating in harmful activities. “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.”
He concluded by calling for a united front to safeguard national assets, saying, “Let us work together to ensure the safety and security of our public assets and prevent future occurrences of economic sabotage.”
The attack on the Bayelsa pipeline comes after similar incidents in the region. On March 17, a fire erupted at the Trans-Niger Pipeline in the Bodo community, Gokana LGA, Rivers State. Five days later, an explosion was reported at the Soku gas pipeline in Rivers.
