Itsekiri Leader, Rita Lori Ogbebor discusses the problem of oil theft in the Niger Delta and states that the situation of poverty has enhanced and promoted oil theft in the region.
She laments about the disease of poverty, saying it has motivated the people of the Niger Delta to a point of no concern for their oil, hence creating opportunities for outsiders to steal their oil.
She explains that because locals in the Niger Delta are not treated properly by those in positions of authority, they are reluctant to speak out about oil theft. As a result, they are more concerned with maintaining their health than with reporting the crime to authorities.
She however defends the people in the Niger Delta calling them “petty thieves” adding that the major bunkering of the oil in the region is not done by natives but by outsiders she refers to as “big thieves”.
Damiloju Oreofe
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