Rivers state governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, proclaimed 19 people wanted for running illegal crude oil refinery plants responsible for the state’s black soot endemic.
The governor requested the Rivers state Head of Service, to question one Mr Temple Amakiri, a director in the Ministry of Energy, for abetting bunkering operations and to ensure that they turn him over to the police for investigation and potential prosecution.
Wike further stated, that his government is resolved to tackle the soot endemic by destroying and closing down all identified illegal crude oil refining sites and activities in the state.
He continued to mention, following his 2022 New Year message outlining measures to tackle the black soot menace, the State Taskforce on Illegal Street Trading raided some illegal crude oil refining sites in Port Harcourt and arrested a number of recalcitrant persons.
Governor Wike listed these bunkers as Mr. Azubike Amadi, OSPAC Commander, Ogbogoro community and Chairman of Akpor Central OSPAC
- Mr. India, of Rumuolumeni community and Chairman of Oil bunkering Association in Akpor kingdom
- Mr. Okey who is in charge of oil bunkering in Rumupareli
- Mr Anderson, who is in charge of oil bunkering activities in the Ogbogoro community
- Amadi Gift of Ogbogoro community
- Azeruowa of Ogbogoro community
- Kingsley Egbula, also of Ogbogoro community
Also declared wanted are the following persons who are alleged to be in charge of oil bunkering activities in the Isiokpo community:
- Mr Kemkom Azubike
- Mr Mezu Wabali
- Mr Chigozi Amadi
- Mr Opurum Owhondah
- Mr Bakasi Obodo
- Mr Opus
- Mr Galaxi Mas
- Mr Chioma
- Mr Ogondah
- Mr Soldier
- Mr Chefo
- Nkasi.
“We have also identified those behind illegal bunkering activities in Okrika communities, Port Harcourt Township, Rivers South-East and Rivers South-West Senatorial Districts and their names would be soon published and declared wanted if they fail to voluntarily report to the police.”
He implored residents to report any individuals engaging in unlawful crude oil refineries and other heinous activities to task teams already established at the state and local government levels for urgent action.
