The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) National taskforce on anti-vandal and anti-bunkering has cautioned Nigerians to stay away from vandalism of crude oil pipelines and illegal oil bunkering activities .
The spokesperson for the IPMAN National taskforce,Ms.Aisha Amhed reacting to the explosion that claimed twelve lives at illegal oil bunkering site in Rumukpe, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers on Friday morning, reiterated call for Nigerians to abstain from the illicit business.
Ms.Ahmed disclosed that apart from the fact that it is an economic sabotage, it is also very harmful to the environment and also led to loss of lives on several occasions.
Ms.Ahmed condoled with families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.
She regretted the loss of lives in Rumukpe and admonished people in the illicit business to engage themselves with legitimate sources of livelihood.
The National Spokesperson for the Taskforce pleged the commitment of the body in partnership with other relevant security agencies to reduce the crime to As Low As Reasonably Practical (ALARP) or total eradication.
In the same vein the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State has urged residents to desist from illegal oil bunkering.
SP Grace Iringe Koko Public Relations Officer of the command made the disclosure in a statement on Friday 3rd March,2023.
The Police image maker confirmed the explosion of oil pipeline at the Rumurkpe community while adding that preliminary investigation by the Police Command indicates that the victims were scooping crude product when the site caught fire.
She stated that about 12 persons are believed to have been burnt to death but the identities of the victims are still unknown.
SP Koko revealed that five vehicles, four Keke NAPEPs, and one motorcycle were all burnt to ashes.