The Lagos State Government says it will strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to secure areas where pipelines are laid across the metropolis.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, made the assertion on Tuesday when he visited the scene of pipelines fire incident at Agbado/Oke-Odo area of Lagos.
Hamzat said that the state government would also work with residents of the areas where the pipelines were laid to end recurring activities of the vandals.
He said that relevant agencies were already taken account of the losses as well as compensation plan for victims of the incident.
“What happened is criminal; we all know that as people, we need this petroleum resource for various activities.
“But unfortunately, we have vandals among us who will come at night with armed men and overpower even their own security.
“However, it is important for us to work together with the NNPC to be able to have access to petroleum easily.
“We also need the help of the community, the Police and everyone concerned so that pipelines are not vandalised,’’ Hamzat said.
He assured the residents that those responsible would be apprehended and brought to book.
Commenting, Mr Adeoye Arogundade, the Chairman, Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, called for quick action to prevent what he described as “looming threat to the lives and property of residents’’.
In his reactions, Mr Olalekan Fadairo, a resident, decrying the loss of lives and property in the explosion, urged the government to curb vandalism in the area.
“I have been putting up with my friend here because my house was completely destroyed.
“People have been giving me clothes to wear since the incident. Government should come to our aids,’’ Fadairo said.
Another resident, Mrs Tinuke Adeniran, pleaded with the government to beef up security in the area and sensitise them to avoid being bought over.
“I really want the government to tighten security in the area; the one we have here have been compromised,’’ Adeniran said.
