Nigeria’s National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, said it recorded 219 cases of pipeline vandalism in Rivers state in 2019 with the consequent devastation on the environment.
The Zonal Director of NOSDRA, South-South, Cyrus Nkangwung, told journalists that the annual reports by the Agency indicate that activities of pipeline vandals increased in Rivers State in 2019 compared to 2018.
He noted that the volume of crude oil spilt, mostly as a result of sabotage by vandals is a scary and a waste of revenue and environmental degradation.
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He said there is a need for vigorous public enlightenment against the illicit act so as to reduce the incidents to the barest minimum and avoid environmental hazards.
Prominent among communities that suffered incidents of vandalism in Rivers are Kom Kom community in Oyigbo local government area, Ubeta Community in Ahoada-West, Communities in Abua-Odual local government among others.
In the case of Kom Kom community, over 50 persons scooping refined petroleum products from a vandalised pipeline were roasted beyond recognition with devastating ecological damage.
