Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Rivers State chapter, has condemned the alleged assault on its Okrika Taskforce Supervisor on Anti-Vandalism, Ibinabo Igbokiri.
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Igbokiri alleged that he was brutally attacked and injured by suspected pipeline vandals in Green-Ama community, Okrika Local Government Area.
He explained that the incident occurred after a sting operation carried out by the IPMAN Taskforce in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
According to him, the joint team had earlier stormed the NNPC Okari Jetty, where suspected vandals were operating, and recovered about 25 stolen pipes.
Igbokiri claimed the recovery prompted the vandals to launch the attack on him days later.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of IPMAN in Rivers State, Tekena Ikpaki, condemned the alleged assault, describing it as atrocious.
Ikpaki called for stronger collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders, particularly Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, to intensify the fight against oil pipeline vandalism in the area.
Ikpaki added, “If such a thing continues, it might pose a threat and danger to lives and living around that area.
“So, I’m calling on all necessary government agencies that are saddled with the responsibility of securing the pipelines and all, synergies with IPMAN to see how we can do this job better for the Federal Government.”
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