Bayelsa Oil Facility Attack: Police Strike Back, Apprehend Suspected Culprits

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested suspects connected to the recent attack on the Tebedaba-Brass trunkline in the Lascogbene community, located in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, disclosed on Monday that two individuals — Gideon Atama and a boat operator, Daniel Williams — have been taken into custody in relation to the assault on the 18-inch trunkline operated by Oando, which channels crude oil to the Brass terminal.

Recall that earlier in April, explosives were detonated at the vital oil infrastructure, prompting a response from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Commissioner Idu revealed that Atama, a known member of a criminal gang, was apprehended while wearing a military camouflage uniform and found with a mobile phone containing images of assorted rifles and audio recordings detailing past operations. Investigations also uncovered voice notes implicating sponsors behind the vandalism of oil facilities in the region.

Further arrests were made by officers attached to the Labrado Security House boat stationed in Igbikiba, Southern Ijaw LGA, where 20-year-old boat captain Daniel Williams was detained for suspected involvement in the pipeline sabotage.

The police also confirmed the apprehension of suspects linked to the 2022 killings of 50-year-old Hon. Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, a relative of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and two prominent community leaders — HRH Kolibo Francis Amabelimo, the Paramount Ruler of Kalaba community and Chairman of the CDC, as well as Samuel Oburo.

According to the police, the murders were allegedly carried out by three individuals: Gideon Atama (32), Bethlehem Nwanlia (49), and Clever Ovo (33).