NNPC begins oil exploration in Benue as Governor Ortom makes promise- Governor Samuel Ortom promises to ensure the security of the team of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which is to commence oil exploration in Benue - Ortom says it is believed that 70% of Benue contains hydrocarbon - The governor appeals to residents of the seven local governments to be affected by the exploration to cooperate with the team The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would commence oil exploration in the Benue in July 2019 as Governor Samuel Ortom has promised adequate security for a team that would carry out the operation. The Nation reports that Ortom made the promise at the Government House in Makurdi, the capital of the state when he received the NNPC exploration team led by Dorathy Umoetok. Represented by Benson Abounu, deputy governor of the state, Ortom promised that no security issues would hinder the exploration. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda According to him, 70% of Benue state is believed to contain hydrocarbon. He called on residents of the state, especially in Makurdi, Guma, Ohimini, Gwer west, Apa, Agatu and Otukpo local government areas where the exploration would take place to assist the exploration team. He also pleaded with traditional rulers and local government chairmen in the places to be of help to the team as they carry out their task. In his explanation, Umoetok said the team’s visit was a follow-up to a previous one by the out-going NNPC group managing director, Maikanti Baru. Umoetok said she was excited that the security situation in the state had changed tremendously adding that the atmosphere was now good for exploration work. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app According to her, the NNPC has concluded the aerial surveillance, drawn the aerial maps, and done the interpretation and other activities that would lead to the actual exploration. She also promised that the NNPC would uphold the highest standards of safety and security of members of its team. Legit.ng earlier reported that President Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday, February 2, in Bauchi state, instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to extend oil exploration activities to six basins in the country. The president gave the instruction at the Barambu town in Alkaleri local government area of the state while flagging off the drilling activities. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Is democracy working for Nigeria? | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Governor Samuel Ortom promises to ensure the security of the team of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which is to commence oil exploration in Benue - Ortom says it is believed that 70% of Benue contains hydrocarbon - The governor appeals to residents of the seven local governments to be affected by the exploration to cooperate with the team READ ALSO: PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng NAIJ.com Legit.ng