Petrol Station owners in Rivers State have threatened to shut down operations over the alleged seizure of their tankers and discharge of 130,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) popularly known as diesel.

The Chairman, Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) in Rivers State, Francis Dimkpa handed down the threat while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt.

Francis Dimkpa explained that two tankers laden with AGO were leaving the Onne Depot, Eleme Local Government Area of the State, when they were allegedly seized by men of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and taken to their Headquarters in Port Harcourt.

He said the association had met with the Nigerian Army and an agreement was reached that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission should obtain samples from the tankers for investigation.

The PETROAN Chairman said they got a call a few days later from the 6 Division, asking them to pick up the tankers at Ahoada, Ahoada East Local Government about 40 kilometres from Port Harcourt.

He, however, alleged that on getting to Ahoada, they discovered that the tankers were empty as the 130,000 litres of products were discharged.

They said in the event that nothing is done by relevant authorities including the Rivers State Government, petrol station owners will shut down all retail outlets across the State.

When contacted, the 6 Division, Nigerian Army through its Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah promised to get back to our correspondent but, has not done so as of the time of publishing this report. (Channels TV)