By Sabo Garba, Bauchi
A gang of youths engaged in fuel theft on NNPC pipeline in Bauchi has been uncovered by NSCDC operatives. HOTPEN gathered that the pipeline leading to Gombe at Kainji quarters near Bauchi City had been bored by the suspects to regularly tap fuel for themselves.
Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Bauchi State Command had uncovered and arrested a gang of five connected with fuel bunkering. The incidence occurred at Kainji Quarters of Gwallagar Mayaka in Bauchi Municipal Local Government.
Confirming the development to HOTPEN, Spokesman of the Bauchi Command of the NSCDC,DSC Ibrahim Abubakar said the suspects were arrested while actively tapping fuel from the leaking pipeline which connect with Gombe Deport of the NNPC. He disclosed that the suspects were apprehended in possession of Jerry cans filled with illegal fuel they collected from the leaking pipe.
DSC Abubakar said they are launching further investigations after which the suspects will be arraigned in a court of law for legal by prosecution.
Speaking to HOTPEN, community leader of Kainji Quarters Malam Salisu Ibrahim said he had earlier alerted the relevant authorities on the Development after which the damage was repaired. However, the fuel thieves re-bored the pipeline to perpetuate their nefarious activity.
Some residents confirmed that the incident was regularly taking place in the middle of the night as the place used to be a beehive of activity with people collecting illegal fuel.
They expressed profound fear that if not checked, the bunkering can lead to catastrophic explosion with tragic outcome to the community. The duo of comrade Abdullahi Aliyu and Ubaidallah Sabiu urged the state government to take decisive measures to prevent a foreseen tragedy.
