NNPC boss Kyari accuses officials, security agencies of working with pipeline vandals

Mallam Mele Kyari, the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has accused officials of the government corporation of collaborating with some members of the security agencies in vandalising petroleum pipeline.

The NNPC boss also accused communities located in areas where pipelines are located of sabotaging pipelines. Kyari made the statement on Monday, January 20, when he visited the pipeline inferno that occurred at Oke-Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos. He faulted communities living along the pipeline corridor of failing to work with security agencies in stopping the vandalisation of pipelines. Kyari warned that if pipeline vandalism is allowed to continue, they may result in the deaths of persons within the country. He said the NNPC is working with security agencies to check acts of vandalism in the country. "We're working daily with security agencies to contain this situation which portends danger for all of us. Nigerians must know that these acts of vandals are happening within communities and if they are allowed to continue, then they will eventually kill all of us!" Kyari said. "We, therefore, need the support of every member of the community to expose the bad eggs in their midst. We are counting on Nigerians to help us resolve this as it is becoming a matter of national security concern. Meanwhile, Abule Egba residents and eyewitnesses of the pipeline explosion which took place on Sunday, January 19, have begun to speak on the extent of damage and casualty that resulted from the tragedy. One of the eyewitnesses said that the inferno was caused by the criminal activities of vandals who were trying to destroy the pipeline and scoop petrol from it. The eyewitness who didn't disclose his identity said that all of this was happening when security officials were not far from the crime scene. Another eyewitness said that he saw how the flames killed four persons in a vehicle, two of which were a mother and her infant child and that the remaining two were a driver and another passenger.

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