Edo Task Force Arrests Six for Stealing 30km of Warri-Kaduna Pipeline

The Edo State Task Force on Recovery of Government Property has arrested six suspects in connection with the theft of 30km length of pipe on the Warri-Kaduna pipeline at Ekperi in Edo State. The chairman of the task force, Eugene Okolosie, disclosed this while highlighting some of the task force's achievements.

According to Okolosie, the theft has caused major damage to the pipeline, and the suspected vandals may have colluded with members of the community to carry out the theft. The suspects allegedly used excavators to dig out the pipes meant to convey crude oil from Warri to the Kaduna refinery. Some of the pipes have been recovered from the syndicate.

The task force chairman also disclosed that five suspects have been arrested for vandalizing government agricultural tractors and other heavy equipment for sale at Uhuoghun in Orhionmwon Local Government Area. Additionally, five other suspects have been arrested at Okpella for stealing high-tension electricity equipment.

Okolosie decried the high rate of encroachment on and stealing of government lands, including reserved areas in all parts of the state. He revealed that the task force has recovered 480 hectares of government land sold illegally by some community members. The task force chairman expressed worry over the rate at which lands meant for development are being sold in the state.

The task force has recovered lands belonging to schools in the state, and Okolosie warned that anyone who attacks education is attacking the future of their community. He commended the state government for assisting the task force to achieve its goals and warned members of the public to beware of impersonators who may claim to be members of the task force and demand money from them.

The Edo State Task Force on Recovery of Government Property has made significant progress in recovering stolen government properties and lands. The arrest of the six suspects in connection with the theft of the Warri-Kaduna pipeline is a step in the right direction. We commend the task force for its efforts and urge the state government to continue to support its activities. The recovery of government lands and properties is crucial to the development of the state, and we hope that the task force will continue to work tirelessly to achieve its goals.