Vandals have blown up a critical gas export pipeline operated by Oando, an oil firm owned by the Tinubu family during the visit of Mrs Remi Tinubu to Bayelsa.

Oando recently acquired the asset following the divestment by Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

Barley 24 hours after Mrs Tinubu left Bayelsa after Thursday’s visit, Bayelsa Government on Friday condemned the vandalism of the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch Gas Pipeline between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

The 24 inch Ogboinbiri/Obiobi Gas Pipeline operated by Oando feeds the Nigeria Liquid Natural Gas (NLNG) export facility in Bonny.

Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai
Commissioner for
Information, Orientation and Strategy.made the condemnation in a statement issued on Friday in Yenagoa.

“This act of economic sabotage will not be tolerated

“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 damage to public assets does 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,” the statement read in part.

The commissioner urged 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.

She said that together, they can achieve the prosperity agenda of the government and develop infrastructure to attract investment.

“Let us work together to ensure the safety and security of our public assets and prevent future occurrences of economic sabotage,” the commissioner stated.