OMCs back down on shutdown threats after N/R REGSEC assurances

Managers of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) operating in the Northern Region have backtracked on their decision to shut down their fuel stations in protest of recent attacks by robbers, after a meeting with the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

The OMCs Managers served the notice of their intention to close down their outlets, following a spate of armed robbery attacks that resulted in the killing of four pump attendants, a watchman and a driver at six fuel stations within the space of two weeks.

However, they reversed their decision after assurances from the Regional Security Council yesterday (Tuesday) of adequate protection.

The Regional Minister who doubles as the REGSEC Chairman, Salifu Saeed, condemned the deadly incidents and promised that joint police and military patrol teams will intensify their night operations to clamp down on the activities of armed robbers in the region.

He said security checkpoints would be mounted at vantage points in the Tamale Metropolis to thoroughly search vehicles and motorcycles which used those roads late at night.

He tasked the managers of the OMCs and the general public to volunteer relevant information to the law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute miscreants.

Area Manager of Naagamni Oil Marketing Company Limited, Abdul Razak Hudu, on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the REGSEC for the assurances.

He told Citi News they were satisfied with the promises made by the Council and pledged their commitment to liaise with the law enforcement agencies to flush out the armed robbers.

The six fuel stations that were robbed included the Kakpagyili Shell fuel station, two Naagamni fuel stations at Kanshegu and Kasalgu and Superior oil fuel station at Datoyili.

The most recent attack occurred at the Kakpagyili Shell filling station on Saturday January 27, 2018 where the watchman was killed.

Some of the pump attendants who were beaten during the attacks are receiving treatment at various health facilities.

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