Some personnel from the Nigerian Army at Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, have reportedly seized two tankers loaded with over 135,000 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from a government-approved depot in Onne, Rivers State.
The incident has ignited a firestorm of concern among local oil workers and industry stakeholders.
The seized tankers, belonging to Mr. Chris of Petronoli Oil and Gas Ltd, were taken to Bori Camp where the army allegedly emptied their contents before abandoning the empty vehicles along the Ahoada axis of East West Road.
The drivers of the tankers, identified as Mr. Chima, who was transporting 65,000 liters, and Mr. Obele Nna, carrying 75,000 liters, were reportedly left without their cargo.
In response to this troubling development, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, demanded transparency and accountability from the authorities involved.
NUPENG’s spokesperson at rhe press conference, expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the financial strain it places on legitimate businesses in the state.
“We are addressing all that is concerned, including the DPR, to please come to our aid,” the spokesperson stated. “We have never witnessed a situation as bitter as this one. We want to know what really happened.”
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has joined NUPENG in seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding the seizure.
Questions have arisen regarding the intelligence report that led to the army’s actions and the legitimacy of the operation.
“We want to engage the Nigerian Army,” the spokesperson continued. “Did these trucks load from the wrong point? How did they get to Bori Camp? What happened to the products inside the trucks? We need clarity on these issues.”
The union’s leaders voiced concern for their members’ well-being, citing instances of stress-related health issues among oil workers due to ongoing economic pressures.
They emphasized the need for a collaborative dialogue involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and other industry groups to resolve the situation.
“We are not here saying that anybody is innocent or unstoppable,” the statement concluded. “But we want to know the history of these trucks, from their origin to the present. If this is not addressed, our members may resort to self-help, as they face dire financial constraints.”
NUPENG is calling for intervention from the Executive Governor of Rivers State, the Director of Civil Defense, and local police authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, warning that the disappearance of the fuel has left them with only empty tankers, and they are calling on the global community to take notice of the situation. As tensions rise, the future of petroleum activities in Rivers State hangs in the balance, with industry leaders urging for immediate action to prevent further economic distress.
