Governor Diri: Shocking Use of Kids in Illegal Refineries

Governor Diri: Shocking Use Of Kids In Illegal Refineries

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed grave concern over a troubling trend in oil bunkering operations, whereby women and children are allegedly being utilized as human shields at illegal refining sites in the state…READ MORE…

Diri made this statement during a meeting with traditional rulers and local government chairmen at the Government House in Yenagoa on Tuesday, describing the situation as alarming and calling for immediate collective action to address the issue.

“I have received reports indicating that illegal bunkering sites now involve children and women, a development I have never encountered before,” Diri remarked.

He continued, “When the military is authorized to dismantle these camps and conducts reconnaissance, they find that these women and children are being used to shield those locations. Therefore, it is imperative that we work together within our communities to educate our people.”

The governor pointed out that this alarming trend is becoming increasingly prevalent in riverine areas such as Brass, Ekeremor, Nembe, and Southern Ijaw local government regions. He urged traditional leaders to take proactive measures by informing their communities about the health and environmental risks associated with illegal oil refining.

“There have been instances where the military engaged with these sites and had to retreat upon discovering the presence of women and children,” he added.

Diri encouraged the monarchs to report any oil bunkering activities occurring in their territories to the government, asserting that a collaborative approach is essential in combating this issue.

Despite increased efforts by security forces, illegal crude oil refining remains rampant in Bayelsa State. To mitigate these activities, the state government has previously directed local government chairmen to form vigilante groups aimed at monitoring and reducing incidents of oil bunkering in their areas.

The governor reiterated the importance of addressing this challenge, underscoring its detrimental effects on human health, the environment, and the economy of the state.

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