Eric Olusesan/Port Harcourt
Over 30 persons were last night of Sunday October 1st confirmed dead in fire explosion at an illegal oil bunkering site in Ibaa Community in Emohua local government area of Rivers State.
Confirming the tragic incident,Dr. Chidi Lloyd, the Chairman of Emohua local government area, said that it is unfortunate that despite his administration’s advocacy on the dangers of illegal oil bunkering residents of oil bearing communities continue the dangerous illegal business unabated.
He called on traditional rulers to speak out about criminal activities going on in their domains.
“It i it is unfortunate for people to lose their lives in a such a dastardly manner by engaging in illegal oil bunkering activities in the areas like Ibaa.
“The world can bear me witness that I have done a lot of advocacy talking about the dangers of illegal oil bunkering in my local government that unfortunately they will not listen.
“Traditional rulers have a role play in this in this kind of situation. It is not enough them them to fight for recognition by government but they will not lead their people well so we can avoid this kind of tragedy.”
He said government has always advised that when people see illegal activities going on in their environment, they should speak out so that actions will be taken.
Dr Lloyd also identified Obele,Rumuji and Ndele Communities where illegal refining activities persist.
He, however, raised concerns about the role of the Military in addressing the situation in Ibaa Community.
The local government Chairman said he had raised alarm about illegal Oil refining activities in these communities to security agencies.And it is not as if they are not aware about what is going on.
“I always ask this question: How do these people transport this crude without the security agencies intercepting them and arresting them”.
Lloyd pointed out further that there is an Army formation in Ibaa. He wonders how the illegal refiners transport their crude, and how do they engage in these activities without the military people and knowing about it.
Recall could be made that at about 2 midday, Friday March 3, 2023, in Rumuekpe also in Emohua LGA, there was an explosion and fire which burnt dozens including, women and Children beyond recognition. The incident happened at site where they were stealing petroleum products on the Trans-Niger Delta Pipeline (TNP) that passed through the community.