Oil Theft: 250 youths Recruited by Bayelsa Govt 

The Bayelsa government has recruited about 250 youths to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the state. The enlisted youths are to work with the Bayelsa State Oil and Gas Taskforce. 

Inaugurating the task force on Friday, Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state said that the aim of the initiative was to meaningfully engage youths in the state in curbing revenue lost from pipeline vandalism. 

The governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Mr Felix Bonny-Ayah. Dickson said that securing oil infrastructure against vandalism, bunkering and other anti social vices for the good of the state and the nation was of strategic importance. 

Continuing, he said that the taskforce would be used to shut down facilities of companies that violate laid down rules and impunity.

Dickson, however, warned the new employees not to see their recruitment as an opportunity to acquire wealth and to shun all vices that will tarnish the good intention of the programme.. He also advised them to remain law abiding citizens of the state and the country at large. 

The governor assured residents that vandalism and bunkering activities would be completely tackled in the state soon. 

“The taskforce will work with security agencies and other relevant bodies saddled with similar responsibility,’’ he said. Mr Tare Porri, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, said he was confident that oil and gas companies in the state would support the move to ensure a safer environment. 

Porri urged the task force to be loyal to the course of their operations, adding that the administration was committed to sustaining an economically viable state. 

it could be recalled that oil theft had been on going in the state for a very long time, leading to loss of revenue, that is suppose to accrue to the state.

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