NNPC set to begin oil exploration in Benue, gets assurance on security

The Benue State Government has assured the management and staff of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of the security and safety of its staff as they begin the exploration for hydrocarbon in the state, and the larger Benue Trough.

Governor Samuel Ortom gave the assurance Tuesday at the Benue People’s House, Makurdi when the NNPC exploration team led by Dorathy Umoetok, Executive Director, Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL) visited him.

Represented by his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu, Governor Ortom said the government would put in place the needed security measures to guarantee the safety and unhindered work of the team.

He expressed delight that Benue State constitutes 70% of the area in the Benue trough believed to contain hydrocarbon, and called on people of the state, particularly people of Makurdi, Guma, Ohimini, Gwer West, Apa, Agatu and Otukpo local government areas, where the exploration work shall take place to receive the team warmly and give them every assistance they need.

Governor Ortom, who charged traditional rulers and council chairmen from the affected areas to help provide the needed peaceful atmosphere for the team to work, warned that the government would deal squarely with anyone or group of people in any community that constitute obstacle to the exploration work.

Earlier, the team leader, Dorathy Umoetok explained that their visit, which is a sequel to the visit to the state last year by the out-going NNPC Group Managing Director, Engr. Dr Maikanti Baru is to seek the guarantee of the safety and security of the lives of the exploration team so that they could commence work.

Umoetok, who expressed joy that the security situation in the state has changed tremendously and is now good for exploration work, disclosed that the NNPC has already concluded the aerial surveillance, drawn the aerial maps, and done the interpretation and other activities leading to the actual exploration.
She said the NNPC does not toy with the safety and security of members of its team, and solicited from the government and traditional rulers in the 7 local government areas a guarantee of their safety and security, assuring that the communities have many things to gain from the partnership with them.

Speaking for the traditional rulers, the Ter-Lobi, Chief Moses Anagende and the Aganwu of Apa/Agatu Intermediate Area, Chief Baba Odangla, pledged the full support and cooperation of the traditional institution and the people to the team.
The exploration work is expected to begin next month.