Bayelsa Community Asks NSA To Probe Illegal Oil Bunkering

Concerned Indigenes of Opu Nembe Kingdom in Nembe local government of Bayelsa State have petitioned the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over Illegal oil bunkering in the area.

They called for the investigation of the activities of illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, violence and violation of the fundamental human rights of the people of Opu Nembe community.

The concerned indigenes alleged that the activities are being carried out by criminal elements under the goading and supervision of the Special Weapon and Tactical Team (SWAT).

Recall that in the wake of violence that erupted in the community during the last general election, the federal government dispatched a team of tactical policemen to the community to restore law and order.

In a statement yesterday signed by Ayebaefie John, Tuaepere Ogor, Tamuno Lelegite, Atonbara Sunday, Furo Baratuaepere, Baribogha David and Sutonye Derri on behalf of Ope Nembe indigenes, they called for the unconditional withdrawal of the 350 SWAT personnel from Opu-Nembe Kingdom.

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The group noted that as a result of the nefarious activities being perpetrated by some members of the community, others are afraid to move around in the community and do their own businesses.

They also alleged that a highly placed politician from the area is sponsoring bunkering activities in Nembe and Brass local government areas of the state, using militant elements who they said are perpetrating all kinds of criminal activities.

The statement reads, “As of today, crime and criminality, violence and violation of the fundamental human rights of majority members of Opu-Nembe community is the order of the day as we see every day.

“There are open incidences of pipeline vandalism, oil theft and all manner of economic crimes and human rights violations within the community.

“We as indigenes are completely dissatisfied with this state of affairs as we expected that the SWAT, being an institution of the Government of Nigeria and subject to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ought to uphold the rule of law in the discharge of its activities within the community.

“It is against this backdrop that we the indigenes demand that the SWAT operatives be withdrawn from the community forthwith and an investigation resumes into the activities of SWAT and the various criminal activities of economic sabotage carried out within the community.”