Burning of Crude Oil Vessel Criticized: Traditional Ruler Alleges Protection of Oil Thieves

…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. A vessel carrying stolen crude oil destined for Cameroon was intercepted in the Escravos Sea in Delta State.

In response, security agencies decided to burn the vessel as a deterrent to potential offenders.

However, this action has drawn criticism from a traditional ruler and Chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Bubaraye Dakolo.

Allegations of Protecting Oil Thieves

Dakolo claimed that the burning of the vessel was a wasteful act, primarily aimed at protecting the actual oil thieves.

During an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, he argued that the vessel was burned because it was more cost-effective than apprehending the individuals responsible.

Shifting Blame and Identifying the Real Culprits

The traditional ruler argued that Nigeria’s tendency to blame young, unemployed individuals from the Niger Delta as the typical oil thieves was misleading.

Instead, Dakolo pointed out that the true culprits were affluent individuals with properties in multiple cities worldwide.

He accused the authorities of shielding these individuals, despite their involvement in oil theft.

Economic Implications and Government Involvement

Dakolo highlighted the economic folly of burning the vessel, emphasizing that the stolen oil was valued at approximately $100 million.

He further asserted that the loading of the crude oil onto the vessel could not have occurred without the knowledge and involvement of Nigerian authorities and security agencies.

According to his claims, the oil was likely loaded at an authorized loading bay, known to all relevant agencies.

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