The Onelga Security Peace and Advisory Council (OSPAC) has declared its readiness to combat illegal oil operations in Omoku, Rivers State, if officially mandated by authorities.
Commander General of OSPAC, Emeka Onyeocha, made the call following a deadly explosion over the weekend that killed four people and destroyed a building allegedly used for the illegal storage of petroleum products. Onyeocha, speaking at the scene, said the victims were burnt beyond recognition, while a child who sustained severe burns is receiving treatment in hospital.
Describing the incident, Onyeocha explained that the fire was triggered when a leaking container of illegally refined fuel, known locally as “kpofire,” ignited while a resident was cooking nearby.
OSPAC, he emphasized, currently lacks the legal authority to confront oil bunkering directly. “It is not our job to combat oil bunkering. We are not surveillance,” he said, noting that government-contracted companies like Tantita are tasked with such responsibilities. He urged the government and oil multinationals to officially engage OSPAC, stressing that the group could end the illegal trade if empowered.
Onyeocha also warned youths against involvement in illegal oil activities, blaming unemployment for driving many into the dangerous trade. He appealed for more job opportunities to divert young people from criminal paths.
