Suspected vandals have continued to sabotage the Nigerian economy as another set of armed gunmen blow up Agip pipeline in Rivers State.
The 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said yesterday that suspected cultists have destroyed a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company.
According to a statement issued yesterday evening, by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Eli Lazarus, he revealed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 7, at Agip’s gas facility in Akala Olu village in Oshie community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, thereby disrupting production activities.
Captain Lazarus added: “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.
“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 destroying such critical national asset will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.”
The 2 Brigade alleged that some politicians armed the youths thereby backing them to perpetrate criminal activities in the state.
“Additionally, it is now known that some politicians are arming these groups and encouraging them with inciting comments to breach 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.”
Lazarus appealed to the public to assist the Brigade with relevant information that could help in arresting such criminals.