Gunmen Blow Up Agip Pipeline in Rivers

Gunmen Blow Up Agip Pipeline in Rivers

— February 8, 2016

(PORT HARCOURT)
The 2 Brigade of Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, has stated that suspected cultists have destroyed a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company.
A statement issued yesterday evening, by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Eli Lazarus, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 7, 2016, at Agip’s gas facility in Akala Olu village in Oshie community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, thereby disrupting the production activities.
The Army further said that the vandals were suspected members of the Icelander gang.
According to the statement, the vandals had threatened to carry out further acts of vandalism, unless their demands were met.
Captain Lazarus noted: “The group demanded for the release of a detained suspect-one Mr. Emmanuel Odum, currently undergoing interrogation in connection with pipeline vandalism and cult-related activities.”
He warned: “I wish to state categorically that 2 Brigade will not be cowed into doing the bidding of any criminal group.
“For the avoidance of doubt, anyone caught vandalising such critical national assets will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.
The 2 Brigade alleged that some politicians armed the youths, backing them to perpetrate criminal activities in the state.
The Army further warned that it will deal decisively with any person or group behind the sabotage done to the Nigerian economy, adding that any attempt to disrupt the forthcoming re-run elections in the state would receive dire consequences.
The Army spokesman said:
“Additionally, it is now known that some politicians are arming these groups and encouraging them with inciting comments to breach the public peace.
“No one should be in doubt of the capacity of the military to deal decisively with such persons. If anyone is caught breaching public peace, particularly during the forthcoming elections, such person or persons should have themselves to blame.
“Already, some suspected patrons and sponsors of these criminal groups are being closely monitored by security agencies.
“Parents and guardians are, therefore, strongly advised to warn their children or wards against any form of association with such criminal groups or sponsors; otherwise the full wrath of the law would be meted to them.
“The public is hereby assured that no effort will be spared in arresting and prosecuting oil pipeline vandals and criminals