The fight against illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta suffered a setback on Tuesday when a top management staff of Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, the surveillance company contracted by the Federal Government to checkmate illegal bunkering, was killed in a gunfight with suspected illegal bunkering gang in Escravos, Warri, Delta State.
The killing of the GWVSL official, Captain Romeo Itima, has led to tension in the waterways of the region. He was an aide of former leader of the Movement for the Emancipations of the Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo).
It would be recalled the award of the controversial multibillion naira maritime contract to the ex-militant's company by NIMASA generated much controversies across the country.
The company has been embroiled in a running battle with illegal bunkering rings operating from the Delta and Bayelsa states axis of the Niger Delta.
it was gathered that Itima, an indigene of Kunukunuma clan of Gbaramatu Kingdom, was shot during one of such face-offs at the Escravos area.
Our source said Itima did not die immediately as he rode in the company’s bullet proof boat.
"The attackers' intense gunfire shattered the windshield of the boat and they were forced to make a detour. Unfortunately, they crashed into stone breaker."
Itima and other crewmembers were reportedly swept away by a rough tide, leading to his death.”
The family of the deceased confirmed the report.
A statement signed by Captain Winifred Itima, stated that “His death occurred during an operation against theft of crude oil and criminal sea robbery activities in the Warri Pilotage District.”
A company source further described Captain Itima as “a thorough bred, highly skilled and passionate master mariner of international repute. He was committed to the restoration of sanity, safety and standards to the Nigerian coastal and territorial waters.”
There were however conflicting reports as to what actually transpired. Feelers from the region indicated that the report is part of growing tension between Tompolo, some of his former MEND associates and rivals in the delta.
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