Civil defence officers burst illegal diesel dump in Port Harcourt

Tina Amanda

The Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Rivers State Command, has arrested a suspect, Ezike Shoke, with one hundred and nineteen (119) twenty-five litres gallons filled with suspected adulterated Petroleum product AGO, popularly known as Diesel in an illegal dump.

The suspect was apprehended at about 3pm, 19th January, 2021, at number 34 Arochukwu Street, Rumumasi in Obio-Akpor local government area by the special Anti Vandal Team constituted by Commandant Muktar Lawal in identifying illegal dumps in the state.

Briefing newsmen on the development, the Assistant Commandant, Oguntuase Micheal, said the residential area being used for such illegal business is unacceptable and dangerous for the safety of lives and property of residents.

“The Anti vandal team of the Command arrested a suspect by name MR. EZIKE SHOKE with a Volkswagen Jetta car loaded with suspected illegally refined AGO, loaded in gallons (25liters), fifty six (56) in number at an illegal dump situated at number 34 Arochukwu Street, Rumumasi in Port Harcourt city L.G.A of Rivers State.

“Other item seized at the dump include fifty-seven (57) empty gallons found at the crime scene, the command was able to recover one hundred and nineteen (119) gallons of twenty-five litres AGO.

“The illegal dump where the suspected products were seized was inside a residential area making it unacceptable and dangerous for the residents of the area due to the adverse health effects which in extreme case results to death.

“Investigation is ongoing to arrest all those connected to the dastardly act and how long such business have been going on in the premise, in order to charged them court for possible prosecution”

He however urged the public to report any suspected illegal dump, as it may lead to diaster for residents of the area.

“The members of the public are advised to report any case relating to residents using their place of residence for illegal dump, there is a saying, see something, say something”