The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three persons for allegedly tampering with a capped oil wellhead at Otuabagi community in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
The police also recovered tools suspected to have been used in the act, while three other suspects reportedly fled the scene and are being sought.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Muhammed, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.
He said the incident was reported to the police at about 7:35 a.m., prompting operatives attached to the Ogbia Divisional Police Headquarters, working with members of the Community Development Committee (CDC), to move to the location.
The three suspects arrested were identified as Simeon Joshua Ezeke, Pere Thankgod and Gift Elijah.
Muhammed said three other suspects, identified as Richard Johnbull, Ken and Nabhel Moses, escaped before the arrival of the police.
He added that investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the involvement of all those connected to it.
READ ALSO Police To Prosecute Cleric Over 2 Bayelsa Minors Defilement
According to the statement, efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and ensure that everyone involved is brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, warned residents against tampering with or damaging public infrastructure and other valuable assets.
He described the protection of critical infrastructure as a collective responsibility and urged residents to show commitment to safeguarding public and community assets.
“The police will not tolerate any act of tampering with, damaging or interfering with public infrastructure. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” the commissioner warned.
He also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police through the command’s emergency lines.
