Bauchi: Buhari flags off commencement of first oil drilling in Northern Nigeria amidst tight security

From David Kuvie Bauchi

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday launched the commencement of drilling of oil in northern Nigeria in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

From the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International airport where he mounted a Guard of Honour, the President  landed at Baramba, the sleepy community in a Presidential helicopter 5N-FGN in company with Governor Bala Mohammed at exactly 12:00 midday.

The local government area has been terrorised by kidnappers and bandits in recent times, causing residents to live in perpetual fear. 

Buhari alighted and was driven  in a convoy to the Kolmani River II Oil Field Project Site in a heavily guarded motorcade as as he waved to locals who defied  the scorching sun to welcome him.

Already seated awaiting the President’s arrival not far from the Kolmani Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 809 and 810 at the Kolmani field site which will mark the first oil drilling in Northern Nigeria Bauchi and Gombe  States were high profile personalities from all walks of life.

Among them were the President of the Senate Ahmed Lawal, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, almost all the Northern Governors, traditional rulers from across the North East, Minister State for Petroleum Timipre Silver, Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Mele Kyari, Captains of Industries as well as well meaning Nigerians.

“History will remember you as the brain behind the successful search for Oil in some Northern states which led to the discovery of the Oil in commercial quantity in Bauchi, Gombe States,” Mohammed said in a welcome address.

“We are proud to associate ourselves with this key milestone achievement of the first official Drilling of Oil at the Kolmani River II Oil Field Project site in Alkaleri Local Government Area, Bauchi State

“Your patriotism, selfless service and commitment to the Development of Nigeria is indelible and will remain forever.

The people of Bauchi State, North East and other Nigerians welcome you to this historical event”

The President arrived Barambu amidst fears and anxiety  among the locals on the insecurity in the oil rich community.

A resident, Musa Mohammed from Dembe in Pingida, Akko Local Government Area in an interaction with our correspondent captures the mood of the people.

He said that although most of the people of the area are excited at the prospect of what the discovery of oil holds for them, they currently live in fear as they can no longer to to their farms or live in their houses because of kidnappers.

Mohammed urged the federal and State government to urgently address the insecurity in the area so that the gains of oil not be in vain.

Another resident, Babangida Garba Maishinko from Barambu community said several people had been kidnapped in the area.

He lamented that the families of victims had to sell farm produce and other valuables to pay for ransom running into millions of naira.

“We are happy with the news of the oil found in our community but what we need desperately is security to be restored,” he said.

Maishinko who revealed that at least three resident of the community are still being held by kidnappers said.