Black soot: Bayelsa govt warns illegal refiners, charges council chairmen to be alert

Yenagoa—The Bayelsa state government has warned operators of illegal refineries popularly called kpo-fire in the state to stop their activities, else be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

The warning which was issued through the Commissioner for the Environment, Hon. Gbarainbiri Iselema stated that the activities of illegal refiners have led to the pollution of the skyline of Yenagoa, the state capital, and its environs.

He stated that those indulging in the illegal act should desist from it or be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

According to the commissioner, the state government would not only destroy the equipment of perpetrators if caught but will bring them to justice in line with the dictates of the law.

Iselema equally charged all Local Government Chairmen, stakeholders, and entire Bayelsans to support the government by reporting perpetrators of the illegal activity to relevant authorities.

Recall that residents of Yenagoa have for the past few weeks decried the sudden appearance of black soot in the sky.