5th May, 2015
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
An NNPC pipeline has been vandalised early Tuesday morning around Ajura-Ogere Remo axis of Ogun state, Southwest,Nigeria.
The area which has since been cordoned by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to avoid unexpected disaster, has also been blocked from both ends.
Ajura, is a sleepy community in Obafemi-Owode local goverment area of Ogun and it is the home village of the incumbent governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
The incident has since caused hardship on motorists and residents along the area as vehicles plying the area are forced to turn back following the vandalisation and subsequent cordoning by NSCDC.
Speaking with our correspondent on phone this morning, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Ogun, Kareem Olanrewaju confirmed the incident and hinted that it was the handiwork of vandals.
Olanrewaju disclosed that his men have been deployed to comb the area, stating that, until they return and file their findings, he cannot categorically give much information about the incident.
He however urged road users around the area to be very cautious and cooperative with NSCDC to ensure that the matter does not degenerated into further crisis.
“Yes, there was a burst of NNPC pipeline early this morning around Ajura-Ogere area. We have informed NNPC and our men are already there to maintain peace and order.
“The incident was caused by those who want to vandalise the area and it is disheartening. Though, I cannot say specifically, if there is any casualty so far, it is until those deployed to the area give us on-site report before we can issue a statement.
“I want to implore residents in the area to stay away from the scene and also to motorists plying the route, they should please for sometimes, avoid the area until it is declared safe,” he said.
A source from the NNPC office in Sagamu confirmed to our correspondent that they have been informed of the incident, adding that, those concerned are already at work.
The source, who does not want his name in print disclosed that their field operators and engineers are already on their way to the area to ascertain the level of damage and destruction.
He however admitted that vandalisation has posed a big problem to the Corporation, noting that, vandals may have the backing of some cabal within the group.
He however, declined to comment further on some cabal backing the vandals.
As at the time of filing this report, many motorists loading at Siun to Ogere and other parts along the route are gnashing their teeth as they could not go about their daily businesses with ease.
This has further resulted in a hike in oil prices as they have to go extra miles to get to their route, with some having to go through Lagos-Ibadan expressway to get to their various destination.
Men of the State Traffic agency, TRACE and others like the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the police were on their way en masse to ensure smooth traffic coordination and security of lives and property.