OSISOMA (ABIA) - Independent Oil Marketers in Abia have donated a new Hilux van to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to boost surveillance along the pipeline right of way.

The marketers, under the auspices of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Aba zone, also donated 30 motorcycles to the Association of Concerned Rivers and Abia Youths Against Pipeline vandalism (ACRAYAPV).

The vehicles were handed over to the beneficiaries at the NNPC depot at Osisioma in Abia, during a special prayer session organized by IPMAN to commit the pipelines to God for divine protection.
IPMAN Chairman Lawrence Obetta told the newsmen that the association had spent more than N50 million in the fight against pipeline vandalism.

He said that IPMAN had been working in conjunction with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers in the zone and that donating the vehicles was part of the initiatives to check vandalism.

He said: The two organizations want to complement the efforts of the Pipeline and Product Marketing Company to protect the pipelines and ensure regular supply of products to the Osisioma depot.’’

In a sermon during the prayer session, Rev. Fr. Felix Obum of SS. Anthony and Jude Catholic Church, Umungasi, Aba in Abia urged the oil merchants “to have absolute trust in God and to live a God-fearing life”.

The chairman of the anti-pipeline vandal committee, Mr Pius Ikechi, appealed to the people to shun criminal tendencies, especially pipeline vandalism.

He also said that economic hardship was not a justification to indulge in crime.

NAN reports that the two-hour solemn exercise was also attended by a team of pastors and major stakeholders in the oil business, including the present and past leaders of IPMAN.