Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested three suspects for the diversion and siphoning of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) commonly known as cooking gas in Akwa Ibom State.
The Commandant of NSCDC in Akwa Ibom, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo.
Eluwade said that based on complaints from product owners of theft and diversion of LPG, the command deployed and mounted surveillance and eventually caught the suspects in the act on January 24.
He said the suspects, who circumvented the outlet process of discharging LPG, were caught discharging the product into 25kg and 50kg cylinders not minding the consequences.
“Following complaints and intelligence from product owner of theft and diversion of LPG and the inherent danger in the siphoning process, officers of the Corps were deployed and eventually caught the suspects right in the act along Port Harcourt expressway.
“The suspects have made confessional statements and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against them, as efforts are being made to get those who patronise them.
“The public are advised to take note of this act and report to NSCDC, as they are done without recourse to safety,” Eluwade said.
Eluwade during the briefing also warned illegal miners to stay clear of the state, stressing that anyone caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The commandant reminded miners that mineral resources are under the Exclusive legislative list, as such, they belong to the Federal Government; so also, is the license to mine any mineral.
He added that the revenue from the mining of mineral resources finds its way to states through the 13 per cent derivation principle.
He said that the NSCDC Akwa Ibom command has intensified its effort to bring sanity into mining in the state to keep the environment safe.
“I want to use this medium to inform all Nigerians, who are involved in mining or who may wish to involve in mining business to take note of the environment.
“Unregulated mining leaves gaping wounds in our precious ecosystem.
“Deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation are rampant consequences, jeopardising the health and livelihoods of present and future generations.
“The scar on the environment as a result of mining is scary. It will be worse if we do nothing about it, hence, the reason we are here is to sensitise and talk to ourselves,” he said.
He said that there will be no breathing space for those who sabotage the economy and disregard due process as far as the mining sector in the State is concerned.
The commandant appealed to stakeholders in the mining sector to carry out their activities responsibly to protect the environment.