The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at the Ejigbo Satellite Depot has expressed alarm over the increasing incidents of pipeline vandalism in Idimu, Alimosho Local Council Development Area of Lagos.
The Chairman of IPMAN Ejigbo Satellite Depot, Mr. Akin Akinrinade, said vandals were caught scooping petrol from the System 2B pipeline in front of Good Luck Estate, Idimu, but they managed to escape when security agents attempted to apprehend them.
Akinrinade emphasized that the continuous vandalism poses a significant setback to IPMAN and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of petrol to Lagos and the entire Southwest region.
He noted that a truck with registration number JND 162 XA, belonging to a marketer named R. A. Oluwakemi and loaded at the Ibadan depot, was apprehended at the scene of the petrol scooping.
“IPMAN Satellite Depot are constrained with heavy heart to announce the vandalisation 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 said.
While commending the efforts of security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, the Area Commander, Area “M,” Idimu, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Navy, Akinrinade urged them to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the culprits to justice.
He also called on the Lagos State Government to proactively protect the NNPCL pipelines within its jurisdiction and urged residents to provide credible intelligence on pipeline activities to IPMAN and the security agencies.
Akinrinade condemned the activities of pipeline vandals, emphasizing the negative impact of incessant vandalism on the country’s economic growth.
He urged security agents at the federal and state levels to be more vigilant and put an end to such acts. Akinrinade also recommended stronger penalties for pipeline vandals, encouraging closer collaboration between security agents, IPMAN executives, and traditional rulers in pipeline communities.
In conclusion, Akinrinade assured that IPMAN members are committed to supporting NNPCL by reporting any suspicious activities and urged the corporation to prioritize the safety of lives and property surrounding its facilities.
