The Bayelsa State Government has strongly condemned the criminal destruction of the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch gas pipeline, which runs between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Describing the incident as an act of economic sabotage, the government has vowed that those responsible will face the full weight of the law.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government reassured residents that security agencies are working tirelessly to track down the culprits and prevent further attacks on vital infrastructure.

“The public should note that the protection of national assets is a collective responsibility. We urge all citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities around public assets to law enforcement agencies,” the statement read.

The government emphasized that beyond financial losses to federal, state, and local governments, such attacks also pose severe environmental and health risks. The exposure of communities to leaking gas and petrochemicals could lead to serious health complications.

Urging Bayelsa youths to shun destructive activities, the government called for cooperation in maintaining peace and safeguarding public infrastructure. “Together, we can achieve the prosperity agenda of the government and develop infrastructure to attract investment,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to security and economic growth, the government appealed for collective action to protect critical assets and ensure that incidents of sabotage do not recur.