NUPENG CONDEMNS KIDNAPPING OF 14 OIL WORKERS

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) condemns in its entirety the recent kidnapping of 14 Oil W orkers returning from Egbema-Ohaji field to Port Harcourt, Rivers State by yet to be identified kidnappers. The Union expresses its rude shock at the act on 14 Oil Workers of Nestoil and calls on the security agencies to spread their dragnet to rescue them unhurt. NUPENG states that the kidnap is one, too many as all hands must be on deck to protect the lives of oil workers especially those working in installations. We are therefore worried about the attack which has made Oil Workers an endangered specie. It calls on the Federal Government to quickly ensure that Oil Workers returning from fields are giving adequate security. The Union warns that the recent kidnapping of such numbers of Workers will further scare foreign investors that would want to bring in the needed foreign capital and expertise to expand on projects in the Oil and Gas Sector. It wants the security agencies to intensify efforts to comb the creeks and make sure the kidnapped Oil Workers are brought back alive to rejoin their families with no ransome paid and the culprits punished. NUPENG advises those involved in these dastardly acts to retrace their steps and find something meaningful to do. It enjoins the Federal Government to tackle the economic downturn with vigour so that the current level of unemployment will be drastically reduced. The Union reiterates that the Federal Government owes it a duty to the citizenry to make things work, reflate the economy, repair dilapidated infrastructure and assist small scale business enterprises to thrive in order to get our restive youths engaged.

Com. (Dr.) Igwe Achese NUPENG President