…Set Up Local Tax Force In Delta Central
BY Omoghene Benedict,
Worried by the incessant illegal bunkering activities and pipeline vandalization, ex-militant leaders under the aegis of Coalition of Urhobo Agitators have appealed to suspected vandals and illegal bunkerers to put an end to their activities in Urhobo land or face the wrath of the law.
In a one day program held in Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, tagged: ‘War Against Vandalization, Illegal Refineries /Bunkering in Urhobo Land’, the convener, ‘General’ Abraham Ekokotu said, “With the high rising of crime associated with these illegal activities in Urhobo land, if we fail to act or speak now, we will all drown in an ocean.
Also, the coalition of the Urhobo Agitators has constitute an 8 man coordinator to fight against this illegal activities across the 8 local government areas of Delta Central and the Urhobos in Patani, Delta South.
According to Ekokotu, “Those involved in this illegal activities are from other ethnic nationalities but they have fused some of our Urhobo youths into the act and after causing havoc in our land, they would run away.
“Some of us who were opportuned to drop our arms during the presidential amnesty phase II in 2010 have been fighting this cause and I challenge everyone to take this crusade to nooks and crannies of Urhobo land to tell whoever that is involved in this act that enough is enough of illegal bunkering in Urhobo land.
“The resultant effect of pipeline Vandalization and Bunkering according to scientist is acute cancer, destruction of our farmlands, crops and untimely death.
“And it will interest you to know that were there is this illegal activities, possession of firearms are also involved and they would resort to armed robbery, kidnapping and other violence crime.
“We are using this program to send message to oil companies, communities and especially the government to use this avenue to join us on this crusade to see how we can stop pipeline vandalization and illegal bunkering in our land.
“There are other genuine way of making money legally and for the sake and safety of Urhobo nation, I appeal to each and everyone to say no to illegal bunkering, refineries and criminality.” Ekokotu said.
Inaugurating the local government coordinators, Ekokotu said, “Today, you are given role to join hands in putting an end to pipeline vandalization and bunkering, you must be of good behavior, resist the temptation of being compromise but ensure that Urhobo nation is free from illegal activities of bunkerers and vandals.”
