The activities of criminals and trespassers at the Ubima and Elele Palm Oil Plantations have been described as worrisome, hence the need for support from Rivers State Government and security agencies in curbing the menace.

The Management of Siat Nigeria Limited (former Risonpalm), made this outcry recently in an interview with newsmen during the visit of the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Onimim Jack, to the company.

Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr. Henk Zwinderman stressed the need for government to assist the company in fencing of its Oil Palm plantations, noting that the activities of some criminals who are daily stealing their palm fruits are slowly grounding the activities of the company.

He said that the company which started operations four years ago has provided some social amenities to its host communities, stressing that schools have been rehabilitated while electricity has been provided to Egbu and Ihie communities all in Etche LGA.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has pledged to encourage private investors in the Agricultural sector.

The commissioner said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after an inspection of Siat Nigeria Limited at Ubima and Elele.

Mrs. Jack said the State Government would support private investors in all the sectors of Agriculture from zero to the upper levels, adding that it was part of the government’s plan to create jobs from agriculture for the teeming unemployed youth of the state.

She commended the management of Siat Nigeria Limited for the good work it is doing and urged for it to be sustained.