A group, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has pledged its commitment to end bunkering activities and other economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

President of the group, Sukubo Sukubo, made the pledge on Monday in a statement after a sensitisation campaign by the group in Akuku-Toru LGA in Rivers.

Ms Sukubo said the campaign’s aim across the nine communities of ”Kula Kingdom” was to achieve zero tolerance for bunkering, chemical fishing and other economic sabotage in the area.

The communities were Kula, Belema, Oluama, Agudama, and Robert-Kiri, also known as Bush Bar, Kalamasiri, Offogboko, and Uwangaye.

According to him, sensitisation became necessary due to the associated risks and the negative impact on the nation’s economy occasioned by oil bunkering activities and chemical fishing.

He expressed concerns over bunkering activities on the aquatic lives and the environment of the state’s nine communities in Akuku-Toru LGA.

”Kula Kingdom is a coastal community surrounded by the St.Bathelomeo and Santababra Rivers, rich in oil minerals and untapped tourism potentials,” he stated. “The Robert Kiri Flow Station, OML 55, Idama Flow Station, OML 55, and the Belema Flow Station, OML 25, are all located in the area.”

He stated that the group would not be distracted from reaching its goal of ending bunkering.

Mr Sukubo recalled the recent boat accident that claimed three lives, Sopakiriba Igbikis, Alex George and Richard Micah, while embarking on illegal bunkering activities in OML 25 in Kula, in Akuku Toru LGA.

He urged the members of the communities to desist from illegal activities that could endanger their lives, pollute their environment and destroy their livelihoods.

Mr Sukubop said the group has resolved to partner with relevant security agencies to forestall further economic sabotage in the area.

He assured the communities that the group would appeal to the state and federal government to provide basic infrastructure and human capital development.

In his remarks, Emine Ariyitamunoprim, the President of Kula Youths, said that bunkering activities have endangered the lives of members of their communities.

Mr Ariyitamunoprim said bunkering activities also brought untold hardship to them as fishermen and women can no longer catch fish and other sea foods.

Mr Ariyitamunoprim mentioned poverty and lack of basic infrastructure as the root causes of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and other vices in the area.

He called on the government at various levels to provide the communities with basic amenities and human capital development.

(NAN)