Okrika on fire! Nigerian military hits illegal refineries (photos, video)
- Photos of emerged of the destruction of illegal refineries by the Nigerian army in Okrika
- The photos and videos posted on social media showed burning pieces of land close to the water
- Many have called for caution on the part of the Nigerian army in consideration of the environmental hazards
The destruction of illegal refineries by the military on Monday, May 22, in Igbiri Aka Okrika, Rivers state has led to criticism by some.
Although, this is done so as to discourage oil theft and illegal bunkering, many feel that the disadvantage of environmental degradation is too expensive a by-product of the fires.
The photos and videos of the destruction were shared on social media, below is a video:
Meanwhile, Minister of state for petroleum resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has said that if fuel importation continues in Nigeria till 2019, he will throw in the towel.
Kachikwu stated this during an interview on BBC World Service programme, HardTalk, on Monday, May 22.
He promised to deliver on the refineries and said he was committed to also delivering a future for oil for Nigeria.
READ ALSO: After months of ceasefire, suspected militants blow up oil pipeline in Niger Delta
Below are other photos from the scene:
The fire from the destruction raged for a while
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Residents were unhappy with the actions of the Nigerian military
Okrika is a riverine community in Rivers state
Watch this NAIJ.com video on Nnamdi Kanu below: