Group vows commitment to end bunkering in Niger Delta

A group, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has pledged its commitment to end bunkering activities and other economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

The president of the group, Mr. Sukubo Sukubo, made the pledge on Monday in a statement after a sensitization campaign embarked upon by the group in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area in Rivers.

Sukubo said that the aim of the campaign across the nine communities of ”Kula Kingdom” was to achieve zero tolerance for bunkering,chemical fishing, and other economic sabotage in the area.

He named the communities Kula, Belema, Oluama, Agudama, and Robert-Kiri, also known as Bush Bar, Kalamasiri, Offogboko, and Uwangaye communities.

According to him, the sensitization became necessary due to the associated risks and the negative impact on the nation’s economy occasioned by oil bunkering activities and chemical fishing.

He expressed concerns over bunkering activities effects on the aquatic life and the environment of the nine communities in Akuku-Toru LGA of the state.

”Kula Kingdom is a coastal community surrounded by the St. Bacelomeo and Santababra Rivers, rich in oil minerals and untapped tourism potential.

“The Robert Kiri Flow Station (OML 55), the Idama Flow Station (OML 55), and the Belema Flow Station (OML 25) are all located in the area, he said.

He stated that the group would not be distracted from reaching its goal of ending bunkering.

Sukubo recalled the recent boat accident that claimed three lives: Sopakiriba Igbikis, Alex George, and Richard Micah, while embarking on illegal bunkering activities in OML 25 in Kula, in Akuku Toru LGA.

He urged the members ofthe communities to desist from illegal activities that could endanger their lives, pollute their environment, and destroy their livelihoods.

Sukubop said the group has resolved to partner with relevant security agencies to forestall further economic sabotage in the area.

He assured the communities that the group would appeal to the state and federal governments for the provision of basic infrastructure and human capital development in the area.

In his remarks, Mr. Emine Ariyitamunoprim, the President of Kula Youths, said that bunkering activities have endangered the lives of members of their communities.

Ariyitamunoprim said bunkering activities have also brought untold hardship to them as fishermen and women are no longer able to catch fish and other sea foods.

Ariyitamunoprim mentioned poverty and a lack of basic infrastructure as the root causes of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and other vices in the area.

He called on the government at various levels to provide basic amenities and human capital development to the communities.