NUPENG CONDEMNS KILLING OF OIL WORKER IN BAYELSA

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have condemned the killing of an oil worker at Kolo Creek Flow Station belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company in Ogbia, in Bayelsa State by gunmen. The Union is worried and disturbed that the killings of oil workers is one death, too many. It states that oil workers who toil day and night to produce the hydrocarbon which is the mainstay of our economy should not be exposed to such dangers due to security lapses, despite the hazards of their jobs. NUPENG adds that the death of the oil worker, identified as Austin Ikechukwu Igwe is unfortunate despite the presence of men of the Joint Military Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield at the flow station. The Union expresses its disappointment and displeasure at the Joint Task Force men at the flow station who were caught napping by the gunmen and who carted away their caliber weapons. NUPENG calls for a full investigation into how the gunmen gained access to the flow station and killed the oil worker. NUPENG wants oil flow stations to be adequately protected by the JTF outfit, so that oil worker will feel safe to work both day and night. The nations oil installations must be fitted with modern gadgets and alarms that will keep the military guards at alert, instead of been taken unawares. The Union wants Shell Management to provide adequate Compensation to the dead oil worker and insure workers in oil installations, because of the risk involved in their jobs. This is borne out of the fact that over 100 oil workers work at a flow stations at any point in time and they therefore need adequate security to make the work place safe for them. It calls on the law enforcement officers to spread their dragnets and bring the culprits to book.

Comrade (Dr.) Igwe Achese NUPENG President