By Correspondent in Lokoja
The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, (NSCDC) has warned petroleum marketer selling petrol above approved pump price of N162 to N165 per litre to think twice or get arrested.
Speaking during an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday,
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The Kogi State Commandant of NSCDC, Suleiman Mafara, who gave the warning in an interview with our Correspondent in Lokoja,said the command was aware of some sharp practices of petroleum marketers hoarding fuel or selling above the approved pump price.
Our Correspondent recalls that a liyre of fuel in the state now sells between N190 and N250 at filling stations while black market sell the litre of the product for N500, thereby deepening the effect of the scarcity on economic and social of the people.
The Commandant said no individual or group of persons was above the law, adding that any attempt to incapacitate the effort of the government would not be tolerated.
“The command has received intelligent reports that some marketers are hoarding fuel and selling it to black marketers in the night for their own selfish gains. NSCDC under my watch will not allow this to happen.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that this ill practice, such as hoarding of petroleum product, diversion and selling above pump price is controlled.
“We have re-strategized and updated our plans by commencing night operations. By God grace, the situation will be put under control. “On our part, we will continue to operate within the scope of our mandate.
“NSCDC won’t fold its arms and allow some group of individuals sabotage the effort of the government to bring back normalcy to the downstream sector. Anybody found wanting, irrespective of how highly placed he or she is will be treated in accordance to the law of the land,”he stressed.
He further admonished the public to avail the command with useful information on any sharp practices coming from petroleum marketers in the state for prompt attention.
Meanwhile, filling stations that have fuel Lokoja and its environs have continued to witness long queue of vehicles while the effect of the problem bite harder on all segments of population of the state.
Motorists who spoke on the issue called on the federal government to solve more than a week old problem and restore full fuel supply to filling stations to put pay to the suffering of the masses.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
