Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has raised alarms over a disturbing practice where women and children are reportedly being used as shields at illegal oil refining camps.
This troubling discovery was made during security operations in areas like Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass, and Nembe.
Speaking at a meeting with traditional rulers and local government chairmen in Yenagoa, the governor urged community leaders to create awareness about the environmental and health risks of such activities.
He also called on them to identify and report illegal refining sites within their regions for effective action.
The governor stressed the need for collective efforts to address this growing issue, emphasizing the role of traditional institutions in safeguarding their communities.