The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) on Thursday said its investigations have shown that the rising incidents of oil spillage in Bayelsa State is caused by sabotage and oil theft.
NOSDRA in a statement availed via email indicated that three incidents investigated within the past few days were traced to sabotage.
According to the statement signed by Mr. Idris Musa, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NOSDRA advised oil firms to tighten security on their assets to avert damage to the environment and loss of oil and gas revenue.
According to Musa, the ongoing gas leak from a gas line operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) that crosses Yenagoa communities was due to the activities of vandals.
“The Agency received a report of a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) on 6” Nembe/Obama Pipeline at Sabatoru, Nembe L.G.A. Bayelsa State.
“The incident occurred proximal to an artisanal refining site which operators are suspected to have vandalised the pipeline to steal crude oil.
“Similarly, there was another vandalised pipeline on the 20” Kolo Creek-Rumuekpe pipeline at Otuasega also in Bayelsa State.
“There was no oil spill in that instance.
“A gas pipeline was also vandalised on the 24” Ogboinbiri/OB-OB gas delivery line at Okaka behind Bayelsa Palm Estate in Yenagoa.
“This vandalism has a backlash on the main gas delivery pipeline from the OB-OB gas plant of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
“We implore the oil companies operating in the area to place more surveillance on their assets to avoid wanton destruction of economic assets as well as the environment,” Musa stated.
