Illegal Refinery And Bunkering: Ikiriko Dislodges, Shuts Down 22 Refinery Points, Evacuates Bunkering Facilities
The Executive Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State; Hon. (Evang.) Hope O Ikiriko CNA., FNES., on Friday 28th of January 2022 with team of Security Personnel and Task-Force on Illegal bunkering activities dislodged, dismantled and evacuated 22 illegal oil refining points for the production of illegally refined products.
The Executive Chairman led a team of Security Personnel for the operation that lasted for over 7 hours with a total dismantling and evacuation of the bunkering facilities at the camps, destroyed and evacuated 19 illegal refining points at Idu-Ekpeye and 3 points at Ebrass Community.
Speaking with News Men at the various sites, the Executive Chairman reiterated his commitment to the order given by the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS Africa.
He said; He will sustain this fight until a healthy environment is restored for the people of Ahoada West and until the operators take a new leave by not endangering themselves and untill this massive economic sabotage is completely stopped.
According to him: “We have come to make sure that this menace is put to a stopped finally, having received series of warnings from the Governor through different means. the operators also hear on radio and news platforms, so expect that they should show respect to government and never to undermine the office and person of the governor of the state.
The Governor has stamped out this illegal activities of bunkering, and anybody who does not want to comply, it means such persons want to confront the Government and they will have themselves to blame.
I wish they understand that the Government is making sure that they are alive and safe. The Governor has called the Traditional Rulers and all the Chiefs in the state for a meeting where he gave another directive regarding this and those from Ahoada West LGA were there also.
I have personally sensitized and informed Community Leadership on the dangers of these illegal bunkering activities and the need to put a stop to them. If they do not want to hear and listen to their leaders and the Government advice/directive, then they should be prepared to face the wrath of the law because Government can not take this anymore “
In a similar development, after an intelligence report, the team stormed other newly constructed bunkering sites at Ebrass Community with three (3) points set for fresh production, during which the team recovered and confiscated several equipments used for their activities.
You would also recall that the Council Chairman, Hon. (Evang.) Hope O. Ikiriko CNA., FNES., had on the 19th of January 2022 uncovered some illegal bunkering points at Ula-Okobo, Oshika, Akala-Olu, Akiogbologbo, Okarki, and other communities in Ahoada West Local government Area.
The Executive Chairman who is also the Chairman on anti bunkering activities Task-Force in the LGA, was accompanied by the Head of the Divisional Police in Akinima Division, the Joint Task-Force Akinima, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), State Security Services, a special team of the anti cult police, the men of the C4i from the state, Men of the Nigerian Army from the state, a team of a special squad from the state and other sister security agencies from the state.
