Abia State government has intensified moves to end oil theft in the state by inaugurating the petroleum team of its newly constituted harmonised taskforce.
The team, led by Commodore Sunday Azubuike (Rtd), has 12 military personnels and 14 civilians including Sam Oditah of the News Agency of Nigeria as members.
During the occasion in Umuahia, the state capital, the governor, Dr Alex Otti charged them to be thorough in the discharge of their mandate to serve as deterrent.
Represented by the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, and the chairman of the taskforce, Uzor Nwachukwu, he decried bunkering activities in the state.
“I urge you to discharge your job diligently without fear or favour. The government expects that much revenues will accrue to the state through your activities.
“Your assignment is a lot more technical in nature and we believe that you have complex work to do for the good of the state,” he said.
Congratulating them, he added “The work you are about to embark on is for you to continue to contribute your quota for the advancement of our state,”
In an acceptance speech, Azubuike thanked the governor for finding them worthy and capable of carrying out the assignment, assuring that they will justify the confidence reposed in them.
