Stakeholders Task NSCDC On Illegal Refineries

Following reported cases of operations of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region which has impacted negatively on the environment, as well as reports of impact made by Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in western states on such issues, some stakeholders in the Niger Delta have urged the NSCDC and other security operatives to beef up its operations in the region so as to control the menace.

Stakeholders have lamented over the negative impact this has left to the environment, and want something done very fast to save the environment.

Speaking on the matter, an environmental analyst in Port Harcourt, Victor Okpara said he is always scared about the future of the environment of the Niger Delta, particularly in Rivers State, anytime it came to his notice that illegal bunkering and refinery business is still thriving in the region.

He said that those who are engaged in this business, although may be enjoying it now for their selfish and criminal purpose, but that the negative impact it will have on the environment will be so diver-stating and the effect will be on innocent people also.

To this end, Okpara called on the civil defence operators and other security agents in Rivers State to team up and tackle this issue so as to save the environment from total destruction, and gave instances of the NSCDC success stories in other states like Ondo.

Also, leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force (NDVF) Alhaji Asari Dokubo has raised alarm over the activities of illegal refineries in the region and its negative impact on the environment, and has called on the people and relevant authorities to wake up and take action to stop the monster that wants to destroy the environment.

Asari in a press statement has lamented that the activities of the pipeline vandals and illegal refineries all over the region is a clear indication that the environment is being polluted, as oil is being spilled all over the place.

He therefore called on those engaged in such activities to have a change of heart, and as well urged those in authority and security operatives to do their jobs very well to save the environment from total collapse.

The NSCDC, Ondo State command in the week destroyed an illegal crude oil refinery located at Iju-Osun village in Irele local government area.

Public Relations Officer, Mr Kayode Balogun in a statement said the action was carried out following a tip-off from some residents of the area, and that the illegal refinery was located in a creek beside River Siloko that links Ondo and Edo States.

Corlins Walter