- Safiu Kehinde
A United States-based Nigerian don, Prof. Omolade Adunbi, has faulted the destruction of illegal refineries by the Nigerian military.
Adunbi, a Professor of Anthropology and Director of the African Studies Centre at the University of Michigan, condemned the military action, stressing that it adds more to environmental catastrophe.
This coming hours after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) disclosed the destruction of over 100 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region between January and May through airstrikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe.
NPO Reported that the airstrikes, according to NAF’s spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodamen, also destroyed 53 boats, 74 cooking tanks, two reservoirs and several transport vehicles.
Commenting on the development, Adunbi who is currently on sabbatical explained the impact of the destruction to the community where the refineries are located.
“Destroying the so called illegal refineries adds more to the environmental catastrophe that has been happening in the region rather than solving the problem.
“When the military sets the refineries on fire, the flames burn for several days thereby releasing more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
“It also releases particulate matter that causes soot to the atmosphere.
“All of these combined have precarious health implications for those communities.” He wrote.
The university don added that visiting violence to communities hosting the illegal refining must stop.
“The military cannot continue to do things the old way by visiting violence on communities that are host to oil infrastructure.” He said.