Vandals have damaged a gas pipeline located in the Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa state.
The Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch gas pipeline is located between Angiama and Angiamagbene communities.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, described the damage to the facility as criminal damage and economic sabotage.
According to him, the state government was working with security agencies to ensure that those responsible are apprehended
“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 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,” he said.
Koku-Obiyai urged the youth in the state to resist the temptation of engaging in destructive activities and instead work with the administration to sustain peace and protect public infrastructure.
He further stated that together, they could achieve the prosperity agenda of the government and develop infrastructure to attract investment.
The Commissioner charges the youths to work together to ensure the safety and security of their public assets and prevent future occurrences of economic sabotage
