The Nigerian Navy has appealed to the people of the Niger
Delta to stay away from piracy, vandalism, kidnapping, oil-related theft and
other criminal activities that could tarnish the image of the region.
The Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Formoso in
Brass, Bayelsa State, Captain Mayowa Olukoya, spoke during navy’s free medical
rhapsody in Odioma community, Brass Local Government Area of the state.
The free medical mission, which was held in the community as
part of activities commemorating the 61st anniversary of the Nigerian Navy,
attracted many indigenes who received treatments for various ailments.
Olukoya said the selection of Odioma, which lies on the fringes
of the Atlantic Ocean, was strategic, adding that it was one of the gestures
adopted by the navy the deepen its relationship with communities.
He said the Nigerian Navy maintained a house boat in the
community to secure and check illegal oil activities in the area.
Olukoya said: ”Since the mounting of house boat in the
community, the cases of sea piracy, pipeline vandalism and kidnapping have
reduced.
”The level of illegal oil bunkering has drastically reduced in
this area. It is not only in this area that we are making sure that crude oil
theft is being eradicated but in the whole of Niger Delta.”
He said patients with advanced medical cases would be referred
to the Navy Hospital in Warri or the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa and
commended the community for giving Navy an enabling environment to operate.
Speaking at the event, the Youth President of Odioma, Mr.
Forcembray Iniegha, commended the Navy for identifying with them.
He added they were having many health challenges because the
only health centre in their community was deserted, saying it looked like a
mortuary.
He said a few members of staff at the health centre were not
able to take care of the patients and commending the Navy for rescuing them.
But a representative of the Bayelsa State Governor, Brass Local
Government Area, Mr. Andrew Esau, assured the people that the health centre
would soon be upgraded to a cottage hospital.
“The Nigerian Navy has brought succour to some persons that have
been sick in the community.
because of our affinity with the military organisation. We
promise to help the military in its crusade to stop oil theft in this area,” he
said.
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