Tai LG Boss Uncovers Illegal Oil Bunkering Site At Kaani-Ban

The Chairman of Tai Local Government Area, Sir Mbakpone Okpe has uncovered and destroyed an illegal oil refining (Kpo-fire) site located in a thick forest at Kaani-Ban in the government area.
It would be recalled that on January 15, 2022, the chairman placed a bounty of N1million on any site where illegal oil bunkering was taking place in Tai LGA.
Consequently, based on credible intelligence last Thursday, Mbakpone led his team and some personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the swampy forest where crude oil was illegally refined, and immediately ordered the total dismantlement of the site.
The chairman explained that illegal oil bunkering was not only crumbling the economy of the LGA but also hazardous to the environment and human existence.
Okpe reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure the safety of lives of Tai people, noting that he would not compromise on the fight against crime and criminal elements in the local government.
However, following the first invasion of the swampy forest at Kaani-Ban, witnesses told Okpe that the illegal bunkerers came to the forest by midnight that same day to cart away remains of some ‘Kpo fire’ pots that were destroyed at the forest.
Okpe, therefore, ordered that the forest should be bulldozed such that it would not serve as a hideout for illegal oil bunkering again.
He also declared war on all illegal oil bunkering sites in the LGA.
In his address at the COVID-19 Vaccination and Cervical Cancer sensitisation programme held in Saakpenwa, last Friday, Okpe warned that anyone found culpable of illegal oil bunkering would be prosecuted.
The chairman also noted that he would personally lead a team of joint security forces to every nook and cranny of Tai LGA to ensure that there was no hiding place for oil bunkering.
Okpe reiterated that the bounty of N1million placed on illegal oil refining sites was still available to anyone with useful information about any illegal oil bunkering facility in the area.
Speaking on the COVID-19 vaccination programme, Okpe called on Tai people to take advantage of the free vaccines and the cervical cancer test kits available at the LGA Headquarters, Saakpenwa.
While addressing paramount rulers, youth presidents and CDC chairmen of Tai communities at the sensitisation programme organised by the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board, Okpe explained that his administration was interested in the wellbeing of the people.
He further called on all community leaders to make the announcement and sensitise their people locally so that everyone can fully participate in the programme.
The MOH of Tai LGA, Dr. Keke Rammyson, outlined the importance and benefits of the programme to the people, and urged everyone to embrace it while it last.

By: Nelson Chukwudi