Nye Nwe Ala Paramount Ruler of Omerelu Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Eze Ben Ugo, has closed all the newly constructed internal roads in the community in further attempt to frustrate the activities of illegal petroleum operators popularly known as ‘Kpo fire’.
Ugo made this known when he spoke with journalists in the community during the week.
According to him, the action got the approval of his council of chiefs and the local vigilante outfit called OSPAC.
He was of the view that when the newly constructed internal roads were closed, especially the link roads, the illegal crude oil operators may not have their ways as usual.
He expressed regrets that the people could still be defiant after the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has placed a ban on such illegal activity.
The battle between the community and illegal crude oil transporters has raged for sometime now, especially, after a tanker conveying products fell last year where several buildings were razed down.
“The community has decided on zero tolerance for operators of the illegal business, especially the transporters who use the newly constructed internal roads”, he said.
Ugo also appealed to all security agents to come to their aid, so as to achieve the feat. He vowed to protect the newly constructed internal roads which he described as a rear gift, to all length.
“We promise to continue to protect this ‘apple found by the blind’ , until it is finished and commissioned. We shall be eternally grateful to Mr Quality Projects, Dike Ohna 1 and POS Africa”, he said.
Meanwhile, he has called on his people to continue to support the programmes and policies of the governor, enjoining them to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

By: King Onunwor