Palpable fear gripped the residents of coastal communities of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following explosion that rocked oil pipelines belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
The explosion, which was said to have been triggered by dynamite attacks allegedly launched by suspected militants affected pipelines located in Orukari, Golubokiri and Kpongbokiri communities of Brass.
The development, it was learnt had led to many residents of the riverside communities scampering for safety.
It was learnt that the attacks were launched on Thursday night and had led to massive spillage of crude from the Agip pipeline into the sea and fishing camps.
Confirming the incident, member representing Brass Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Israel Sunny-Goli, condemned the attack on Agip pipelines.
Sunny-Goli, in a statement on Saturday, said, “Preliminary investigations indicate that the bombing of the pipeline was an act of sabotage carried out to hurt the economic interests of Bayelsa state and Nigeria.
“The latest explosion coming after bombing of pipelines recently in the same area is worrisome as it is capable of forcing oil companies out of operation which would have adverse effect on Nigeria’s economy.”
Sunny-Goli called on security agencies to beef up security around oil facilities to ensure they prevent future attack by economic saboteurs bent on crippling Nigeria’s economy.
The lawmaker added, “I want to condemn the latest attack on Agip pipeline at Kpongbokiri. This is a clear sabotage by economic saboteurs. Recently, they blasted pipeline at Orukari and Golubokiri.
” I condemn this latest attack on Agip pipeline at Kpongbokiri in its entirety. It is sabotage against Nigeria in a bid to cripple the economy at a time the nation is struggling with decline in revenue due to the fall in oil prices.
“It is common knowledge that because of the low price of oil which is our main source of revenue, many states can hardly pay workers’ salaries. This sabotage is capable of crippling the economy if not urgently curbed. If these attacks are not checked and the perpetrators brought to book and Agip decides to pull out of Bayelsa, it would be disastrous for us as a people.”
He urged Bayelsans, especially those that have oil facilities around them to be be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security agencies to prevent further attacks.
PUNCH NG
