Vow to Bring Perpetrators to Book
Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, on Saturday visited the Tebedaba-Brass trunkline at Lascogbene in Southern iJaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following an attack by unknown vandals.
The 18 Inch Tebedaba-Brass trunkline, operated by Oando, supplies crude oil to the Brass terminal.
Lokpobiri, who arrived in Southern iJaw in the company of heads of security agencies, including the Brigade Commander and some civilian security contractors such as Chief David Lyon, owner of Darlon Oil and Gas Limited, and Gabriel Jonah, owner of Tenebo Security Services Ltd and State Coordinator of Tantita Security Services Limited Joshua Maciver vowed to ensure that those behind the attack are brought to face the full weight of the law.
Speaking to newsmen briefly after touring the damaged section of the 18-inch pipeline, Senator Lokpobiri described the attack as unfortunate, stating that no responsible government would allow such acts to go unchallenged.
“I have Come today assisted by Security heads in the region and I’ve seen what happened here and this is very unfortunate, this cannot be allowed by government, these are very important economic assets to the government, government will do everything humanely possible to ensure that we protect these assets and we go after anybody that is linked to this act.
“This is a very important economic asset of the Federation, and the government will do everything possible to ensure it is protected,” he said.
“We will go after anybody linked to this crime, wherever they are hiding. We are all Ijaw people, and we know how to find ourselves. We will find them.”
He reaffirmed his commitment of protecting critical National assets of government in Niger Delta region, adding that security agencies are working closely with stakeholders and surveillance contractors to apprehend those responsible for the criminal act.
“This is a major trunkline, and every day it remains shut results in huge revenue losses—not just to the Federal Government, but also to the company and host communities.”
He urged Community leaders, Youths to the protect national assets in their environment, saying any damage to public assets does not only results in revenue loss to federal government, but also poses grave environmental dangers.
“Following the Passage of PIA, Communities has 3% stake whatever passes.We are causing so much damage to the environment.
“Under no circumstances, will this be accepted by government, I have come and seen , we continue to ensure that we work together to protect these Strategic National assets for the benefit of all of us,” he noted.
The Minister lauded the operators of the facility, Oando, for their swift response and the immediate commencement of repairs on the damaged pipeline section.
