112 ‘illegal refineries’ discovered in Rivers

No fewer than 112 illegal refineries have been discovered in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, according to the government.

The council chairman, Samuel Nwanosike noted that 99% of the discoveries were made in a particular community located along the OML 17 trunk lines.

The discovery comes on the heels of the recent efforts by the state government to bring an end to the economic sabotage brought as a result of the illegal refineries, as well as the health implications resulting from soot pollution.

Governor Nyesom Wike had earlier pledged N460 million to the 23 local government area chairmen to fight oil bunkering in the state.

This implies that each chairman is expected to receive N20 million to destroy illegal refinery sites that have been identified in their respective domains.

Wike made this pledge on Wednesday when he met with the local government chairmen, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Friday Eboka, and the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Aliyu Bature.

“All of you should hire bulldozers, clear all those creeks. The government will give you some money so that they will know that we are serious.

“Those of you who are from the riverine areas, I don’t want to hear it is the creek. Go and clear those areas, apply to the state government, each of you, at least N20 million for a start to hire the equipment.

“That does not mean you will wait before you start. You must start today, tomorrow. CP, please give them the security to do this work. Don’t give them two policemen”, the governor said.