The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Kwara says it has suspended monitoring of fuel sale in filling stations in the state following a threat to their lives.

The Head of Operations of DPR in Kwara and acting Operation Controller, Mr. Oyedele lbitayo disclosed this during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.

He said some Members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers (lPMAN) in the state are causing security threat to lives of some DPR Officials while discharging their duty.

The Head of Operation said the last outing of the department was done in company of Police escort which he described as abnormal in a civilized society. Mr. Ibitayo attributed the negative action of lPMAN Members to refusal of the DPR to allow them sell petrol above the official pump price.

The Head of operations of DPR said the department would begin monitoring sales of fuel when the state Police Command gives them assurance of safety of their lives at filling stations.

He insisted that the Department would not compromise standard by allowing filling stations to dispense fuel above the official pump price. He said the department had alerted the headquarters in Abuja of the situation in Kwara and were still awaiting directives.

When contacted, the PRO of Kwara Police Command, Mr. Samuel Okasanmi said the Command is yet to arrest any lPMAN Member over alleged threat to life of DPR Officials. He gave the assurance that adequate security is in place in all parts of the state to allow residents perform their lawful duty.