Yenagoa—The Bayelsa State government Thursday issued a warning to those involved in illegal oil bunkering activities in the state, urging them to desist from the illegal act, else they will face the full weight of the law when caught.
The state government issued the warning on Thursday at the end of the 15th session of the Bayelsa State Security Council meeting presided over by Governor Douye Diri in Government House, Yenagoa.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akpoebi Agberebi, while briefing Government House correspondents after the meeting, said the council among other issues, deliberated on the activities of operators of illegal refineries in the state.
He added that activities of illegal refiners have negative effects on the environment including causing soot and other health hazards.
He said: “One of the areas the council deliberated upon had to do with the environmental problems that Bayelsans are facing as a result of bunkering activities that are now causing the soot.
“The perpetrators of such acts have been warned to desist from doing so otherwise, the law will take its full course. Council assured that security agencies will be taking appropriate actions against those destroying our environment through illegal oil refining.”
Agberebi also noted that those flouting the existing ban on commercial motorcycles in the state when caught would have their vehicles impounded, stressing that agencies with branded motorcycles are expected to formally apply to the Ministry of Transport for exemption.
He also expressed the council’s displeasure over the re-emergence of scrap yards within the Yenagoa metropolis and stated that government would no longer condone the situation whereby the environment would be defaced with scraps.
“Government has warned that it will no longer tolerate scraps in our environment. Those who continue to violate our environmental laws will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.
Agberebi noted that the overall security situation in the state was reviewed, particularly cult activities, adding that new measures would be taken to ensure that every part of Bayelsa was safe and secure.
He, however, noted that the council appreciates the security agencies for their collaborative efforts in sustaining the existing peace and security in the state.
