Arepo community lauds PPMC over reclamation of pipeline setback

The residents of Arepo in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun state have commended the management of the Petroleum Product Marketing Company Limited for carrying out what it described as “operation stay away from pipeline area” with human face.
In an interaction with newsmen over the weekend, the Secretary to Arepo Community Residents Association, an umbrella body for all the estates in the area, Chief Salisu Okewoye, said that the residents graciously welcome the recent demolition of all structures obstructing access to the pipeline areas with gratitude.
Okewoye advised residents to desist from further encroachment beyond approved setback.
He said: “We want to use this opportunity to commend PPMC for the wonderful work they are doing in Arepo and its environs.
“Such will serve as deterrent to anyone who intends to encroach on the pipeline’s right of way in future.
“The demolition was also done with human face because those who have complete structures are given substantial notice to relocate, a development that gave a lot of residents room to psychologically and physically overcome the shock and seek alternatives.”
Okewoye maintained that Arepo has come to the limelight for the wrong reasons, adding that instead of the community to attract meaningful development from the government, it rather incured the wrath of government.
He said such developments now needed to be checked by all well meaning Arepo residents in particular and Nigerians in general.
He also said that close monitoring and access to the pipeline coverage areas will go a long way in securing the asset, which he described as arteries of the nation.
Okewoye stressed that the country can no longer fold her hands and watch vandals to continue to have a field day on the petroleum products illegally through vandalisation of pipelines.
He said: “What the government is doing now to secure the pipelines is in order and deserves commendation and support from every citizen.
“Arepo, for instance, has become notorious for petroleum products stealing, an act we highly condemn and urge government to take drastic steps to address the ugly situation.”
Okewoye further said that when the bulldozer eventually came after several warnings, the residents hailed the idea, as it was a clear signal that everyone must stay clear from the pipeline right of way.
He added: “We encourage Arepo residents and other people that live or do business near pipelines or any other government asset across the country to report any encroachment to the nearest police station or other law enforcement agencies.
“I mean, we should take adequate steps to protect government installations and also as citizens, take such responsibility seriously as well as see it as our collective obligation to report any breach promptly.”
Okewoye sympathised with those affected by the demolition, urging them to absorb the shock and redirect themselves to unencumbered areas to locate their businesses and residential houses.
He said: “We know that some of them were misled by the land speculators into buying and developing their properties along the pipeline areas.
“But we urge them to take it in good faith in the interest of the entire nation.
“Though the initial period will be tough, they should commit it into God’s hand and move on.”
It will be recalled that after several attempts by pipeline vandals to burst the system 2B pipeline in Arepo, PPMC, an arm of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, recently embarked on demolition of structures located within the pipeline right of way, as part of its measures to protect the pipelines from incessant attack by hoodlums.