Niger Delta Youth Condemn Destruction Of Stolen Crude Oil Vessels, Call for Immediate Halt

*Our Lives, Livelihoods Endangered

As the Nigerian military task force and pipeline surveillance companies intensify their efforts against pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering activities, and various forms of criminality, the Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has strongly criticized the blowing up of stolen crude oil-laden vessels.

This condemnation comes in the wake of escalated environmental devastation and degradation in the Niger Delta region, which has endured severe pollution of water, land, and air since the discovery of crude oil in 1956.

In a statement released by Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, the National Coordinator of NDYC, the youth organization vehemently demanded an end to the destructive practice of detonating vessels carrying stolen crude oil within the region’s waterways. The NDYC emphasized that such acts have dire consequences for the environment, lives, and livelihoods of the people in the Niger Delta.

The statement reads, “We stand united in our call for an immediate cessation of this deplorable practice, which serves only to exacerbate the already dire ecological crisis we face in the Niger Delta region. It is nothing short of an affront to the very essence of our land and livelihoods that those entrusted with safeguarding our interests would engage in an activity that directly contributes to the degradation of our environment.”

The youth highlighted the devastating impact of crude oil spills resulting from these actions, emphasizing the threat posed to aquatic life and the well-being of communities that depend on these waters for survival. The NDYC lamented that despite enduring the consequences of oil exploration activities for years, witnessing deliberate acts that contribute to further destruction is an insult to their resilience and dignity.

The NDYC called upon various stakeholders, including the Nigerian government, security agencies, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), to take immediate action to halt these explosive practices. They demanded stringent measures against those responsible for such destructive actions, urging a commitment to protecting the environment and securing the future of the region.

Furthermore, the NDYC called on the NNPCL to distance itself from ecologically disastrous endeavors and requested that Tan Tita Security reevaluate its role and impact on the communities. The youth emphasized that they would not tolerate further harm to their lands, waters, and lives and vowed to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

The statement concluded, “We will champion the cause of our environment with an unwavering determination that reflects our love for this land. Let it be known that the Niger Delta youth will not stand idly by as our waters, our lands, and our lives are subjected to further harm.”