Tragedy Strikes as Pipeline Explosion Claims Lives in Rivers State: NSCDC Urges Vigilance Against Oil Theft
Tragedy Strikes as Pipeline Explosion Claims Lives in Rivers State: NSCDC Urges Vigilance Against Oil Theft
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has expressed condemnation for the pipeline vandalism and fuel scooping that resulted in a fatal explosion claiming 12 lives in Obrikom Obiafu 1 & 2, Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government of Rivers State. The incident occurred after youths allegedly vandalized a pipeline belonging to a multinational oil firm and began scooping fuel.
NSCDC Rivers State Commandant Basil Igwebueze, addressing the persistent pipeline vandalism, disclosed that the Anti-vandal Squad has dismantled seven illegal oil dumps and apprehended over 292 suspects. Both waterways and land are being patrolled to ensure the security of critical national assets and infrastructure.
Igwebueze emphasized that the tragedy could have been averted if the Nigerian Agip Oil Company pipelines were not vandalized by “desperate individuals.” The substance being scooped was identified as Condensate, closely resembling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
“I am a proponent of the death sentence. These people should be tied to the stake and shot. They don’t deserve to live. Corruption kills. Nigerians are wasting away due to corruption,” asserted Omirhobo during the interview.
NSCDC Commandant General Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi condemned “all activities amounting to economic sabotage.” The Rivers State Command intensifies operational efficiency, surveillance, and intelligence to protect critical national assets, with an emphasis on anti-vandalism efforts and constant security patrols.
“We would continue to partner with Sister Security Agencies, especially the Joint Security Task Force, to combat the menace of illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State,” stated Igwebueze. The NSCDC extended condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured, highlighting the detrimental impact of vandalism on communities, lives, property, and the nation’s economy.
