According to the Commander of the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, Emmanuel Atewe, the force got reports that the armed militants were from Ekene community in the same local government and that they were shooting sporadically when they invaded the community.
"The hoodlums harassed, extorted money and consumable items from their victims before escaping," Mr. Atewe, a Major General, said.
"The same gang also intercepted and diverted two passenger boats and abducted passengers on board."
It was gathered that one of those kidnapped by the gunmen was a technician working with a communication company, who was on assignment to effect repairs on a faulty community communication mast.
"The gang also carted away the sum of N1 million from the staff of the company," he said.
Mr. Atewe said his troops are currently on the trail of the criminals.
On the illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta area, the Major General the JTF would deal decisively with vessels and any vehicle deployed in transporting stolen crude in the area.
He also warned owners of vessels, barges and tankers used for illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta to withdraw such services from oil thieves.
The Commander threatened to henceforth blow up any vessel involved in oil bunkering in the area.
He accused vessel and truck owners of renting them to oil thieves who use them to siphon and convey stolen crude oil within Niger Delta.
0 comments:
Post a Comment