Militants bomb Agip pipelines in Bayelsa

Palpable fear gripped the residents of coastal communities of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following an explosion that rocked oil pipelines belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

The explosion, which was said to have been triggered by dynamite attacks allegedly launched by suspected militants, affected pipelines located in Orukari, Golubokiri and Kpongbokiri communities of Brass.

The development, it was learnt, had led to many residents of the riverside communities scampering for safety.

It was learnt that the attacks were launched on Thursday night and had led to massive spillage of crude from the Agip pipeline into the sea and fishing camps.

Confirming the incident, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly member representing Brass Constituency 1, Mr. Israel Sunny-Goli, condemned the attack on Agip pipelines.

Sunny-Goli, in a statement on Saturday, said, “Preliminary investigations indicate that the bombing of the pipeline was an act of sabotage carried out to hurt the economic interests of Bayelsa state and Nigeria.

“The latest explosion, coming after the recent bombing of pipelines in the same area, is worrisome as it is capable of forcing oil companies out of operation which would have an adverse effect on Nigeria’s economy.”

Sunny-Goli called on security agencies to beef up security around oil facilities to prevent against future attacks by economic saboteurs bent on crippling Nigeria’s economy.

The lawmaker added, “I want to condemn the latest attack on Agip pipelines at Kpongbokiri.

“This sabotage is capable of crippling the economy if not urgently curbed. If these attacks are not checked and the perpetrators brought to book and