IPMAN raises alarm over pipeline vandalism

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Ejigbo Satellite Depot, has raised alarm over incessant activities of pipelines vandalism at Idimu, Alimosho Local Council Development Area (LCGA) of Lagos.

Its Chairman, Mr. Akin Akinrinade, lamented that some vandals, who were found scooping petrol on System 2B pipeline in front of Good Luck Estate, Idimu, absconded while security agents tried to apprehend them.

He said: “IPMAN Satellite Depot is constrained with heavy heart to announce the vandalism 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 added.

According to Akinrinade, IPMAN appreciated the effort of the security agencies in apprehending the culprits.

“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, however, urged the security agencies involved in investigating the unpatriotic act to take the investigation to a logical conclusion and justice is served appropriately. He called on Lagos State Government to be proactive in protecting the NNPCL pipelines within the state.

Akinrinade said that the vandals absconded, while all their scooping equipments and the trucks were abandoned.

According to him, the items abandoned have been taking to Idimu Area “M” Command by the security agents. “We appeal to the police to do justice and bring the culprits to justice. We at the Ejigbo Satellite Depot are ready to lend a helping hand to security agents in bringing pipeline vandalism to a halt. We have adopted a system that does not encourage vandalism. Security agents close to where pipeline network should also assist in patrolling around the axis,” he said.

Akinrinade advised that security agents, saddled with the responsibility of protecting the pipelines, to have relationships with IPMAN executives and the traditional rulers in those communities.

He called on the Federal Government to impose tougher penalties against petroleum pipeline vandals, saying the act affects the socio-economic growth of the nation. He said that IPMAN also support government’s efforts to ensure that the pipelines were continuously monitored.