In a bid to stem the tide of illegal bunkering in Bayelsa State, the state government says it will get tough on those involved in oil bunkering activities in the state.
The government warned the perpetrators to desist from the criminal act or face the full wrath of the law.
This was disclosed on Thursday at the end of the 15th session of the Bayelsa State Security Council meeting presided over by Governor Douye Diri in Government House, Yenagoa.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters (1), Mr Akpoebi Agberebi, who briefed Government House correspondents after the meeting, the Council, noted with concern the activities of operators of illegal refineries, which he said had adversely affected the environment.
He said that the illegal activities of the illegal refinery operators were responsible for the soot and other health hazards in the society.
“One of the areas the council deliberated upon had to do with the environmental problems that Bayelsans are facing as a result of bunkering activities that are now causing soot.
“The perpetrators of such acts have been warned to desist from doing so otherwise the law will take its full course. Council assured that security agencies will be taking appropriate actions against those destroying our environment through illegal oil refining.” He disclosed.
Akpoebi Agberebi said the council also discussed the flagrant violation of the existing ban on commercial motorcycles in the state.
The governor’s aide, who said individuals flouting the ban would have their motorcycles impounded and confiscated, stressed that agencies with branded motorcycles are expected to formally apply to the Ministry of Transport for exemption.
Mr Agberebi also expressed the council’s displeasure over the re-emergence of scrap yards within Yenagoa, the state capital.
He stated that government would no longer condone the situation which defaces the environment with scraps.
The Environmental Sanitation Authority and the Physical Planning Development Board were directed to swing into action to ensure the removal of such scrap yards.
“Government has warned that it will no longer tolerate scraps in our environment. Those who continue to violate our environmental laws will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Agberebi said while the council appreciated the security agencies for their collaborative efforts in sustaining the existing peace and security in the state, the overall security situation was reviewed, particularly cult activities.
He added that new measures would be taken to ensure that every part of Bayelsa is safe and secure.