The Central Naval Command (CNC) on Saturday extended its monthly medical outreach to rural coastal communities in Bayelsa as part of its effort to promote cordial relationship with the communities where it operates.

A medical team comprising doctors, pharmacists, ophthalmologists and other medical professionals provided a full day service at Otua community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at a brief opening ceremony, Rear Admiral Mohammed Garba, Flag Officer Commanding, (FOC), CNC, noted that the free medical mission would henceforth focus on rural communities in Bayelsa who lack access to health services.

He said that the Command remained committed to building mutual cordial relationships with host communities by providing humanitarian services to the people.

He urged the people to support the Navy in its effort to stamp out oil theft and prevent sabotage on oil installations and crude oil bearing pipelines within their communities.

Speaking also at the ceremony, Chief Thomas Lokoson, a retired Rear Adminal who hails from the area urged the people to desist from oil theft and pipeline vandalism as they result in self inflicted adverse consequences that are avoidable.

He noted that oil leaks and spills resulting from pipeline breach by oil thieves pollute the waterways and farm lands and threaten the livelihood sources that sustain the communities.

He regretted that the funds that would have been channeled to development were deployed in clean-up exercises to solve environmental problems that were avoidable.

In a response, Chief Edward Tokpo, traditional ruler of Otua community, who benefitted from the free medical mission, applauded the Navy for the gesture and noted that it was the first in his over 40 years reign in the area.

He pledged the cooperation and support of the community to the Navy in its operations to secure oil facilities and the coastal communities.

•Photo shows Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ete Ibas.