From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
As the fuel scarcity worsens in Kogi, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, (NSCDC), Suleiman Mafara has threatened to arrest any petroleum marketer selling petrol above approved pump price of N162 to N165 per litre respectively.
It could be recalled that a liter of fuel in Kogi State now sells between N250 to N500 at filling station and black market respectively.
Speaking with our correspondent, the Kogi State Commandant of NSCDC Suleiman Mafara said the command is aware of some sharp practices of petroleum marketers who are hoarding fuel or selling above the approved pump prices.
He said no individual or group of persons is above the law, adding that, any attempt to incapacitate the effort of the government will not be entertained.
According to him, “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 adding, 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 they are highly placed will be treated in accordance to the law of the land”.
As at the time of filling in this report, a litre of fuel in Kogi State now sells between N250 to N500 at filling station and black market respectively.
