Tension is brewing in Bayelsa as suspected vandals have reportedly struck again—this time targeting a critical gas pipeline in the Southern Ijaw swamplands.
The attacked facility, a 24-inch gas pipeline linking Ogboinbiri to OB-OB and operated by Oando Energy Plc, was discovered damaged in the creek stretch between Angiama and Angiamagbene communities. The exact timing of the sabotage remains unclear, but the fallout is already sending ripples across the state.
Bayelsa State Government wasted no time in responding. In a strongly-worded statement issued on Friday, Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, condemned the act as a brazen case of economic sabotage.
“This act of economic sabotage will not be tolerated,” she said. “The government is working hand-in-hand with security agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that such acts are never repeated.”
The commissioner also sounded the alarm over the broader implications of such destruction—beyond the billions lost in oil and gas revenue.
“The damage to this facility isn’t just a dent in our economy—it’s a threat to our environment and public health. Leaking gas and petrochemicals pose serious risks to nearby communities,” she warned.
Calling on the public to play their part, the state urged citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities around critical infrastructure.
The government also appealed directly to Bayelsa’s youth, urging them to turn away from destructive behavior and align with the administration’s peace and prosperity agenda.
“Destruction gets us nowhere. Real change comes from building together, not tearing down. We can only attract investment and grow our communities if we secure the infrastructure that keeps us moving forward,” the statement added.
As investigations continue, security around oil and gas installations in the state is expected to be tightened in the coming days.
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