IPDI, Ozobo condemn burning of the intercepted vessel, crude by military in Delta

•Says army action worse than oil theft

By Timi Black

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI has condemned the action of the Nigerian military in burning an intercepted crude-laden vessel by the Tantita pipeline surveillance crew in Delta state on Monday.

The group, through its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, said the military caused more damage to the environment than oil theft following its unprofessional activities of burning and spilling crude oil on the water surface of the Niger Delta more often.

According to the group, the military action should be investigated as it was described as a move to cover up the identities of the cabals behind the stealing of the crude with the intercepted vessel.

The group said the military action showed that the environment is not important except for the crude only, noting that the crude either discharged on the water or being burnt had much economic value.

The statement read, “Pouring the stolen crude on the water is the same thing as stealing it. The military pouring of crude on the water’s surface is the same major pollution caused by the alleged oil thieves.

“The oil was stolen did not make it lose its economic value. So the stolen crude can be converted to increase the income of the country as well as create development and jobs for the teeming youths.”

Ozobo also said the military should step out and allow Tompolo to do the job, adding that security operatives can’t claim to be ignorant of the activities of the illegal vessels used in siphoning oil in the creeks of Niger Delta before now.

His words, “you can’t say you are fighting to protect the environment and at the same time causing grievous damage to the environment. So who are the military and federal government deceiving? The military action shows that the government is not concerned about environmental pollution but is only interested in the flow of oil unhindered.”

The civil rights group called on the federal government to investigate the military men who were responsible for the dastardly act and bring them to book to face the music of the law.