Vandalization of NNPC pipeline in Arepo claims over 20 lives

At least 20 vandals have been confirmed dead as a result of pipeline explosion that occurred on Saturday at Arepo Village in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Information says they were being burnt beyond recognition.

Several months ago, supply of petroleum products in the Western region experienced hitches due to the activities of pipeline vandals in Arepo village. Even when NNPC sent its engineers to repair the damage, the vandals continued to sabotage their efforts.

This unfortunate incident is happening after regular supply of petroleum products had been restored to the region.

Apart from the about 20 vandals affected, the National Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) guards assigned to secure the volatile pipeline were also casualties affected by the disaster. A press statement by the NSCDC Spokesman Mr Kareem Olarenwaju, Confirmed the incident as well as the gun duel that took place between the officials of the corps and the vandals.

This development has prompted the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism Unit, Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos to move to the scene of the incident.

Sector Commander Force Operations for Lagos, DSP Onaghise Osayande speaking on the situation said immediately after the explosion, the entire area was cordoned by his men to reduce casualties, while they awaited the arrival of firefighters to quench and douse the fire