President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his anger on some security agents that have been aiding oil vandals in Niger Delta, one of which caused pipeline explosion yesterday, Friday, in the Osisioma Ngwa community of Abia State, resulting in the death of many people, including some security agents.
The President lamented that despite repeated warnings, “those unscrupulous people have vandalized that particular pipeline 684 times in the last six months alone.
“Each time the pipeline is repaired, they resume their activities, even collaborating with security agents, who are reported to have set up toll gates collecting fees from the vandals.”
President Buhari, in a statement today, Saturday, by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, recalled that a fight broke out as a heist was going on and there was shooting, which is believed to have ignited Friday morning’s explosion, during which three security personnel also lost their lives.”
The President advised the communities and state governments that host oil pipelines to be more vigilant and rise to combat the challenge posed by pipeline vandalism.
“The Enugu depot of the NNPC has been repaired and ready to function, but remains idle today because of the vandals.”
Buhari also appealed to host communities to collaborate with the NNPC to tame oil pipeline vandalism in their areas.
The President regretted the loss of lives and property in Osisioma explosion and sympathized with the victims.
President Buhari also condemned the latest communal violence in Kasuwan Magani in Kaduna State which claimed 55 lives.
Reacting to the violent clashes, President Buhari said the frequent resort to bloodshed by Nigerians over misunderstandings that can be resolved peacefully, is worrisome.
“No culture and religion support the disregard for the sanctity of life,” adding that “peaceful coexistence is necessary for the progress of any society and its wellbeing.”
He noted that without communal harmony, the environment for the conduct of everyday businesses would be impossible to achieve, adding that violence cannot be an alternative to peace.
“On the contrary, reliance on violence leads to ultimate self-destruction. Violence is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Embracing peace is a necessity.”
He commended the Kaduna State government for its rapid response to the crisis, even as he appealed to community leaders to engage in regular dialogue to nip imminent crises in the bud, while admonishing the people to develop the spirit of tolerance and patience at all times.
