The Federal Government has ordered the immediate beefing up of security at all dormant oil wells in Ogoniland, Rivers State, to prevent interference and acts of sabotage.
The government also vowed to identify and prosecute those linked to the massive oil spill at the Yorla Oil Field in the Kpean community, Khana Local Government Area of the state.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this on Monday when he led a Federal Government delegation to assess the extent of devastation at the spill site in Kpean, Ogoniland.
Recall that a massive oil spill ravaged the oil field in September, destroying farmlands and vegetation in the area.
However, a civil society group, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, led by its Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, had alleged that the spill was caused by equipment failure.
But Ribadu, during the visit, said the incident was a clear case of sabotage and appealed to residents to protect their wealth and that of the nation.
He said, “We have seen the devastation. It is extensive and terrible, and anyone who sees it will truly feel bad. It is unfortunate. Those in charge have done a good job in controlling it and stopping the spill.
Now, the assessment of the damage and how to restore the area to minimise the impact is ongoing. The sad part is that this is sabotage. It is a well that has not been active for over 30 years.
“Enemies of the people, unfortunately, very selfish individuals, come to vandalise facilities in the hope of stealing crude. The damage they have caused is terrible. What we have done today is to show concern. We are worried. This visit is directly on the directive of Mr President.”
