Chairman of Emohua Local Government Council of Rivers State, Chidi Lloyd, and members of his cabinet, on Tuesday, led a protest against the activities of artisanal crude refiners commonly known as ‘Kpo-fire’.
Speaking to newsmen during the protest, Lloyd called on the Federal Government to end illegal oil bunkering to avert loss of life and property in the area.
He alleged that these illegal oil artisans were aided by some security personnel posted to the area as he decried the effects of soot on the residents of the council.
According to him, “Truck tankers are being loaded with illegally refined petroleum products and escorted out of the area by Federal government-controlled security agencies, while residents of the area battle issues of soot and water pollution, as well as the destruction of farmlands, as a result of this menace.”
The council boss said efforts by his administration to mitigate the activities in the area failed due to protection provided to the artisanal refiners by security operatives.
On their part, the leader of Emohua legislative Assembly, Love Nyenke and the secretary of the council, Vincent Chukwu, explained that the situation had stalled residents, who are predominantly farmers and fishermen from going about their farming and fishing businesses due to pollution of farmlands, surrounding rivers and streams.
They, however, called for the probe of any security personnel involved in illegal oil bunkering activities and anyone found culpable, be made to face the full wrath of the law for sabotaging the nation’s economy.
They maintained that a quick intervention by the federal government will not only help to protect life and property in the council but also save the nation from loss of revenue.
