Chief Christian Nyekwere, a traditional ruler in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, has blamed security agencies for the ongoing bunkering activities in Niger Delta region.
Nyekwere, the Eze Osimini I of Oropotoma Kingdom also decried the geometrical increase in illegal bunkering activities in Elelenwo Community, saying that the bunkering activities has become a serious threat to the lives of the people.
He noted that security agencies including the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Police are only interested in taking bribe instead of arresting and prosecuting those involved in illegal bunkering.
According to him “The ongoing bunkering activities in the Niger Delta is responsible for the black sort in Rivers State, especially in the state capital, Port Harcourt.
“Currently, illegal bunkering activities have been legalised by Police and other security agencies, especially around the environs of the state capital, Port Harcourt.
“You can not tell me that security agencies are not aware that illegal bunkering activities are in the heart of Port Harcourt, without any arrest of suspects.
“Elelenwo Community is submerged with illegal crude oil products and illegal bunkering camps are opening daily with the situation getting so bad that the fishermen and women can no longer fish in the river.
“There is spillage everywhere and security agencies and government are not worried about it” he added.
Our correspondent reports that traditional ruler also called on governments at all levels to take proactive measures against illegal bunkering.
He also tasked security agencies to shun bribe and ensure that those responsible for illegal bunkering in the state are arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
