To tackle the issue of oil theft in Bayelsa State, the chairmen of its eight local government councils have been instructed to form task forces within their jurisdictions.
Governor Douye Diri announced this directive during a meeting with the local government chairmen at Government House, Yenagoa. This initiative follows a recent discussion between governors of oil-producing states and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held last week in Abuja.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor emphasized that these local task forces will work in conjunction with the Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps to curb oil theft.
Governor Diri highlighted the severe impact of crude oil bunkering and theft, noting that these activities have significantly reduced oil production, thus decreasing revenue for the state and causing environmental degradation.
"Following the meeting in Abuja, I have invited you here because you play a crucial role at the local government level in combating crude oil theft," he stated.