NSCDC discovers fuel in two buildings, arrests eight

Eight persons have been arrested and two houses sealed after officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps discovered boreholes supplying oil instead of water at Animatu Ilo Street, Ejigbo, Lagos State,
Among the eight persons arrested were the owners of the two buildings..
Officials of the NSCDC believe that the two house owners deliberately dug their boreholes to reach Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation pipelines crisscrossing an area of the community.
The men had also allegedly placed fuels, running through the pipelines, to be diverted into their boreholes.
After their arrest, officials of the NSCDC cordoned off the area to stop anybody from further trespassing around the place.
The officials recovered several jerry cans filled with fuel.
Some of the residents explained that the discovery of oil in the boreholes was a recent occurrence.
They also claimed to have reported the leakages to NNPC and the police, who have drained the boreholes.
But the leakages allegedly continued.
One of the residents said: “They told us that they would be back to check if there was still fuel and that if there was, they would fill up the boreholes with sand and dig another one for us.”
One of the house owners said: “I didn’t dig that borehole.
“It was purchased along with the house.
“All the while, we have pumped water from it until a few years ago when we noticed it pumped sand during the dry season.
“That was when we locked the well up and dug another borehole.
“It was until last Thursday that I discovered there was fuel in the well.
“I reported to the Ejigbo Police Division and they came with some NNPC officials.
“We were told they would seal the well up this Monday.
“In fact, it is general knowledge that lots of homes in Animatu Ilo have fuel in their boreholes.
“The landlords association has complained severally to the NNPC.
“I just didn’t know I was affected and I never sold fuel to anyone in tankers.”
The Commandant of the NSCDC in Lagos State, Adesuyi Dayo, who confirmed the incident, added that the operation was carried out after several days of surveillance. According to Dayo, many of the landlords in the area were involved in the illicit trade.
He vowed to continue investigation until they had all being arrested.
Advising Nigerians to report any pipeline vandalism to the NSCDC, Dayo added: “Imagine if there is a fire in this community.
“It would be disastrous.
“Thousands would die.
“It is in public interest that residents cooperate with the NSCDC and give information to safeguard their lives.”
The eight suspects had all denied being involved in the crime.