In continuation of the fight against the pollution of Rivers state by black soot, Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday ordered the arrest of 15 mechanics engaged in illegal burning of used tyres and waste engine oil.

The governor, who ran into the mass illegal burning of tyres and condemned engine oil on Aba Road around the Oyigbo axis, was returning from Oyigbo, where he attended the funeral service of the late Precious Oforji, was attracted by the inferno, which emitted a thick smoke.

The governor went into the workshop, where the mechanics were using an open field to burn the tyres and engine oil.

Wike immediately directed the State Fire Service to put out the fire. He also stated that immediate steps be taken to ensure that the fire did not spread to neighbouring houses.