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Six Arrested Over Massive Pipeline Theft in Edo, Dozens Held for Vandalism, Land Grabbing

The task force chairman expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for its support and cautioned the public to beware of impersonators posing as task force members to extort money.

Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of a 30-kilometre length of pipeline from the Warri-Kaduna crude oil pipeline at Ekperi in Edo State.

The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Edo State Task Force on Recovery of Government Property, Eugene Okolosie, during a briefing on Wednesday in Benin City.

Okolosie described the theft as a major act of economic sabotage. He revealed that the suspects allegedly used excavators to dig up the underground pipes, which are part of critical infrastructure linking Warri to the Kaduna refinery.

Some of the stolen pipes have already been recovered, while investigations continue into possible collaboration between the vandals and members of the local community.

In a wider crackdown on the vandalism of public assets, Okolosie disclosed that five suspects were apprehended in Uhuoghun, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, for dismantling and attempting to sell government agricultural tractors and heavy equipment.

Another five suspects were caught at Okpella for stealing high-tension electricity equipment.

The task force also reported the illegal sale of over 480 hectares of government land by local individuals, including youth and community leaders.

Okolosie decried the widespread encroachment and unlawful occupation of reserved areas, highlighting Sobe as a hotspot where government forest reserves were destroyed for private agricultural use.

“In Ewomama Community, the civic centre, market, generator house, and secondary school land were all sold illegally. These assets have now been reclaimed by the government,” he said.

He further revealed troubling encroachments on public school lands, with some private institutions even built within the premises of public schools, citing Uromi as a glaring example.

“Anybody that attacks education is attacking the future of his community,” Okolosie warned, assuring that most of the affected school lands have now been recovered.

The task force chairman expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for its support and cautioned the public to beware of impersonators posing as task force members to extort money.

Victoria Emeto
the authorVictoria Emeto
A bright and self-driven graduate trainee at AV1 News, she brings fresh energy and curiosity to her role. With a strong academic background in Mass Communication, she has a solid foundation in storytelling, audience engagement, and media ethics. Her passion lies in the evolving media landscape, particularly how emerging technologies are reshaping content creation and distribution. She is already carving a niche for herself as a skilled journalist, honing her reporting, writing, and research abilities through hands-on experience. She actively explores the intersection of digital innovation and traditional journalism.

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