Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has raised concerns over a troubling trend in oil bunkering, revealing that women and children are being used as human shields at illegal refining sites.
Speaking at a meeting with traditional rulers and local government chairmen in Yenagoa on Tuesday, Governor Diri said security operatives discovered the tactic during reconnaissance missions. He urged traditional rulers to educate their communities on the health and environmental dangers of illegal oil activities.
Governor Diri recounted an instance where military operatives had to withdraw upon finding children and women at the sites. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to address the menace, which has been reported in Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass, and Nembe areas.
The governor also called on monarchs to report such activities in their domains, reiterating that collective action is essential to tackle oil theft effectively.
