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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has expressed concern with the persistent illegal oil exploration by some indigenes of the host communities of oil producing areas in the South East and South South.
Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan while highlighting the challenges faced by her commission in disbursing funds to oil communities, noted that the setback has also reduced the level of funds for development of the areas.
He stated this during a town hall meeting hosted by NUPRC in conjunction with Hostcom Project Management and Adversary Konsult Ltd, for Host Communities Development Board of Trustees (HCDTS) in Imo/Abia State in Owerri.
Eyesan represented by Atama Daniel, at the event recalled the incident at Abacheke, Mmahun in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, where over 200 were burnt to death while exploring oil illegally in a bush.
“This is a big challenge. I remembered what happened sometime ago where over 200 people died in a fuel fire while exploring oil illegally. We have tried to stop them, but they always come back. The problems are in the community, they should try and talk to their people; most of them now carry arms, but that will not deter us. We would continue to make sure this is checked,” Atama said.
