By: Felix Ikpotor
Following the express order by the Rivers State Governor Chief Nyesom Wike to local council chairman to uncover and destroy all illegal artisanal refineries in the state, the chairman of Tai local council, Mbakpone Okpe has uncovered and destroyed an illegal oil refining (Kpofire) site located in a thick forest at Kaani-Ban in the area.
PHSpectator recalls that on the 15th of January 2022, the council placed a bounty of One Million Naira (NGN1,000,000) on any site where illegal oil bunkering is taking place in the council area.
A statement by a media aide to the chairman, Goteh Nubor said the council boss acted on a reliable information to uncover the site.
The statement said: “Mbakpone haven been reliably informed of the illegal activities of oil bunkers in the area, led his team and some personnel of the Nigerian Arm Forces to the swamp forest where crude oil were illegally refined and immediately ordered for the total dismantling of site”.
The council boss explained that illegal oil bunkering is not only crumbling the economy of the area but also hazardous to the environment and human existence.
Okpe reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure the safety of lives of Tai people noting that he will not compromise on the fight against crime and criminal elements in the area.
