Military Intercept Vessel Illegally Conveying Crude Oil, Apprehend 12 Suspects In Delta

By Our Correspondent

Troops of Joint Task Force, South-South Operation Delta Safe have handed over twelve suspected oil thieves to the Delta State command the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC for prosecution.

This was contained in a statement signed in Asaba, the Delta State Capital, by Assistant Director Army Public Relations in the 63 Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Major Yahaya Kabara.

The report notes that the suspects were apprehended with a vessel by personnel of the Joint Task Force, operatives of TANTITA Security Services and officials of the NSCDC, while illegally conveying crude oil off the coast of Escravos.

The Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, warned that the unit will not spare any individual or group caught in the act of crude oil theft, while assuring the general public of adequate protection in the area.

Meanwhile, a mob in Boji Boji Owa, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State at the weekend lynched two young men allegedly trying to steal a motorcycle to coma

It was gathered that the victims, believed to be in their 30s, were accused of attempting to steal a motorcycle parked outside a popular eatery in the area, but eyewitness at the scene said that the Suspects hailed from one of the states in the South East Geopolitical zone

It was further gathered that their plan however, were cut short when the vigilante members caught them despite efforts by Journalists to interview the accused persons, the furious Crowd prevented any Communication, resorting to physical aggression .Mr Obodo, a resident of the area, who spoke to Journalists, expressed his deep concern regarding the recurring incidents of motorcycle theft in the area. Recounting his personal experiences, Obodo lamented the incident, disclosing;” I have been a victim twice, what baffles me the most is that is that these miscreants kill or inflict various degrees of injuries on their Victims.They go about looking for new bikes to steal. I don’t know the Chemical they use in breaking locks or how they can lift a bike out of a tall fence without stress ” I am not happy with what happened to these fellows, but the issue is that when security Operatives arrest them, they usually find their way out into the society”
In a swift reaction, DSP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer at the Delta State Police Command, confirmed the incident, disclosing that investigation was ongoing into the incident before details can be released. Also, Aladja Community Women in Udu Local Government Council in Delta State, have advised the State Governor, Chief Sheriff Francis Oborovwori to demarcate the boundary land between Aladja and Ogbe Ijoh Communities to forestall peace in the area.

The women had protested on a peaceful note the alleged attack on the Aladja Community, adding that the frequent attacks as well as fight between the two neighbouring Communities since 1996 , has been unfortunate

Speaking to Journalists, the leader of the aggrieved women, Mrs Florence Shakawo said that the Community was woken up in the wee hours of Wednesday morning with gunshots of attack by Ogbe Ijoh Community warlords, adding that Aladja women are currently tied and sick of the Crisis, stating that many had lost their lives, husbands, Children and Property to the lingering land dispute