Edo governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that his administration has constituted a task force for the protection of petroleum pipelines in the State.

Okpebholo made the disclosure on Friday, during the courtesy visit to his office by the newly-elected leadership of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), led by its chairman, Michael Ogiamen.

The Governor who was responding to concern raised by the association over pipeline vandalism along the Benin Depot–Warri Refinery corridor, assured that the task force will also strengthen security in the State.

He further hinted that his administration would empower the office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Pipeline Surveillance to enhance effective monitoring and protection of petroleum infrastructure in Edo State.

He said: “For the vandalization of pipelines, we have already set up a task force on pipeline monitoring. We will take charge on our own part. But the Warri part, that is Delta State, I will also talk to the Governor to see how we can jointly monitor the pipelines so that there will be no vandalization going forward.”

Earlier, in his remarks, the new chairman of IPMAN, Micheal Ogiamen, assured the Governor of IPMAN’s commitment to transparency, unity, and continuity of leadership within the association.

He said: “I can honestly tell you, sir, that at the expiration of my tenure of three years, I will hand over to my vice here, Mr. Pius. That has been our practice, and it will not change according to our constitution.”