Fear of election violence, cause of fuel scarcity —DSS

The Department of State Security (DSS) has said that the current petrol scarcity in Abuja and other parts of northern Nigeria was caused by the fear of post-election violence.

The DSS said its investigation showed that the situation was as a result of fear by the National Association of Transport Owners (NARTO) that they might be caught in likely election violence as was witnessed in 2011.

“This Service has observed the build-up of queues at petrol stations. Investigation has revealed that trucks that would hitherto have loaded products from the south for distribution in the north are reluctant to do so,” the spokesperson for the DSS, Marilyn Ogar, said on Thursday.

Ms. Ogar said the government recognised that NARTO and such other unions provide essential services and as such, adequate security arrangements had been put in place to guarantee the safety of their members.

“Consequently, brigade commanders, police commissioners and state directors of the DSS have been directed by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the IGP and the DGSS, to provide adequate security,” she said.

She added that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had assured that there was adequate petrol to meet demand before, during and after the elections.

“Therefore, we want to urge the public not to resort to panic buying and hoarding.

“Once more, we want to reassure NARTO and indeed all Nigerians of the security and safety of their lives and property,” Ms. Ogar said.

Culled from Tribune