Youths Allegedly Blow Up Pipelines, Seize Eleven Tankers in Delta

Youths Allegedly Blow Up Pipelines, Seize Eleven Tankers in Delta

Protesting youths in Ndokwa communities of Delta State today allegedly blew up pipelines as a result of a violent face-off between an oil company, Sterling Global, and the Okpai Community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state. 

The angry youths also seized eleven oil tankers belonging to the oil company after they reportedly hijacked what was initially a peaceful protest organized by women in the community to draw attention to their plight due to the activities of the oil company.

It was learnt that four other vehicles were allegedly set ablaze in the ensuing confusion as the protest went out of control.

It took the drafting of military personnel to the area to restore peace with many persons arrested in the process, including the chairman of Okpai community development committee (CDC), Chief John Emordi.

Before the demonstration went sour, women and youths in Okpai community commenced blockade against Sterling Global Oil Company last Friday in protest against the destruction of their road built by Agip Oil Company years ago, demanding the reconstruction of the road and general development of the community.

However, the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Friday Osanebi, has met with representatives of Sterling Oil Company in an effort to resolve the feuds which has reportedly led to many residents fleeing their homes into the bush or taken refuge in neighboring communities to avert arrest.

The deputy speaker, during the meeting yesterday in Asaba, directed the company and others operating in parts of Ndokwa to immediately commence the construction of roads in Okpai, Umusadege in Kwale, Beneku and Asemoku to forestall further crises in the area and restore confidence of the host communities.

Osanebi lamented that such crisis could still occur because of disaffection between the communities and oil and gas companies "with well over 40 productive oil wells in Okpai alone."

He however urged the company to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Nigerian Content Act especially concerning engagement of qualified Ndokwa people and Nigerians in their operations.