By Phil Abha
Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, on Friday warned crude oil thieves, popularly known as illegal bunkerers, operating around Ubeji, Ifie-kporo, Ajaetan and neighbouring communities, to stop the illicit trade and invest in legitimate business, adding that they would soon be raided by strange security men, if they don’t.
Dr. Tidi who handed down the warning when he led some members of his executive, security details and newsmen to the affected Warri Communities, advised kingpins of illegal bunkering in the area to desist forthwith.
While stressing that his administration acted on directive from the State Government, the Warri South Chairman, emphasized the health and environmental dangers the activities of illegal bunkering have on the affected communities.
Some of the illegal bunkerers who spoke to the Warri South Council Boss, promised to abide with Dr. Tidi’s advice, even as it was observed that most operators of the illicit trade vacated their storage facilities on hearing of the visit by the Warri South Chairman and his team.
Our correspondents observed that storage facilities of the illegal bunkerers were close to churches, residential buildings and schools.
