Petrol marketers withdraw services in A/Ibom over extortion by security agents

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has withdrawn their services indefinitely in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, citing extortion and harassment by security agents.

IPMAN Chairman, Oron Chapter, Deacon Otuakak Emenyi and Secretary, Deacon Felix Anwanaukap, in a letter to the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force in Oron, said the action follows a resolution passed by its members in response to escalating security issues affecting their operations.

IPMAN particularly accused the Divisional Police Officer of Mbo Local Government Area of engaging in indiscriminate patrols and forceful extortion of money from its members.

IPMAN also disclosed that the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, has been parking their trucks for extended hours, causing traffic congestion and safety risks, and that the JTF has refused to release two trucks loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, PMS to their rightful owners.

Emenyi and Anwanaukap in the letter said the the withdrawal of services began yesterday, and demanded an end to the extortion and harassment by security agents before they resume operations.

The letter reads, “The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Oron Chapter, has withdrawn its services indefinitely due to extortion and harassment by security agents.

“This decision was made after a resolution was passed by our members, due to indiscriminate patrols and extortion by the Divisional Police Officer of Mbo Local Government Area, traffic congestion and safety risks caused by the Joint Task Force and seizure of our trucks by JTF Operation Delta Safe.

“We are committed to safeguarding the interests of our members and ensuring their right to conduct business in a secure and fair environment. We have formally informed the relevant authorities of our decision and are willing to engage in dialogue to resolve these issues.

“The association has notified the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force; JTF Commander, Oron; Department of State Services, Oron L.G.A., and Area Commander, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oron, of its decision.

“We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address these issues and restore normalcy to our operations.”