The Ejigbo Satellite Depot of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a warning regarding the ongoing pipeline vandalism activities in Idimu, Alimosho Local Council Development Area of Lagos.
Mr. Akin Akinrinade, the Chairman of IPMAN Ejigbo Satellite Depot, informed newsmen on Sunday that a group of vandals had been found scooping petrol from the System 2B pipeline near Good Luck Estate in Idimu. Unfortunately, the vandals escaped as security personnel attempted to apprehend them.
Akinrinade said, ‘IPMAN Satellite Depot are 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 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 with registration number JND 162 XA 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 JND 162 XA was apprehended at the scene of the vandalism,’ he said.
Read also: Why We Can’t Sell PMS Below ₦125 – IPMAN
Akin Akinrinade, on behalf of IPMAN, commended the security agencies for their effectiveness in apprehending the perpetrators, expressing gratitude for their efforts.
‘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 stated.
Akin Akinrinade called on the involved security agencies to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the unpatriotic act, stressing the importance of reaching a logical conclusion and ensuring that appropriate justice is served.
He appealed to the Lagos State Government, stressing its duty to protect lives and properties within its jurisdiction, to take proactive measures in safeguarding the NNPCL pipelines situated within the state.
Akin Akinrinade underscored the collective duty of the residents in protecting the government infrastructures, emphasising the importance of their role in providing credible and timely intelligence to IPMAN and the security agencies concerning the pipelines.
He said, ‘Together we can make Nigeria a better place for everyone.’
According to Akin Akinrinade, the vandals swiftly escaped, abandoning their scooping tools and trucks at the site.
Akin Akinrinade cited that the security agents transferred the abandoned items to the custody of Idimu Area ‘M’ Command.
“We appeal to the police to do justice and bring the culprits to justice.’
‘This is not the first time vandals had being arrested and truck recovered at the scene of this nefarious act are found back on the road within a short time,’ he said.
The chairman firmly denounced the actions of pipeline vandals, emphasising the detrimental effects that incessant pipeline vandalism has on the country’s economic growth.
The chairman stressed the urgency needed to curb the situation and urged security agents at the federal and state levels to be proactive in their efforts to bring an end to these acts.