By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
A disturbing new trend has emerged in Nigeria’s ongoing oil theft crisis, as reports surface of children and women being used as human shields at illegal refining camps. This alarming development has raised concerns among authorities and experts, who warn that the use of human shields is a desperate and reckless tactic that puts innocent lives at risk.
According to sources, the use of human shields is a deliberate attempt by oil thieves to deter security forces from raiding their illegal operations. By placing children and women at the forefront of their camps, the thieves hope to avoid detection and protect their lucrative business.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has condemned the practice, calling on traditional rulers and local government chairmen to educate their subjects on the dangers of oil theft and the importance of reporting any suspicious activity. “The report I received recently is that at illegal bunkering sites, they now have children and women, which is a dimension I have never heard before,” Governor Diri said.
The use of human shields is not only a violation of human rights but also a clear indication of the desperation and ruthlessness of oil thieves. It is a tactic that has been used in other conflict zones around the world, but its emergence in Nigeria’s oil theft crisis is a worrying development.
Security experts warn that the use of human shields makes it increasingly difficult for security forces to crack down on oil theft. “When children and women are used as human shields, it becomes a complex situation for security forces,” said one expert. “They have to balance the need to enforce the law with the need to protect innocent lives.”
The Nigerian government has vowed to take action against oil thieves, but the use of human shields has raised questions about the effectiveness of current strategies. As the oil theft crisis continues to ravage Nigeria’s economy and environment, it is clear that new and innovative approaches are needed to tackle this complex problem.
In the meantime, the use of human shields remains a stark reminder of the human cost of oil theft and the need for urgent action to protect the lives and livelihoods of innocent Nigerians.
