…Threaten a total shutdown of flowstations
…Vow to continue until their demands are met
There was palpable tension on Sunday in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state as indigenes of Okerenkoko and other communities join the ongoing protests against Chevron Nigeria Limited, disrupting operations of the multinational oil company, GbaramatuVoice reports.
The protest which entered its third today is among other demands aimed at having Chevron Nigeria Limited management and government officials set up joint investigation Committee to ascertain the level of damage done to the communities by the ‘devastating oil spillage from the organization’s flow station.
Other demands according to the communities include but not limited to provisions of alternative and livable accommodations, and relief materials/medical supplies to the victims. Most importantly, the protesters are demanding adequate compensation (financial/material) for individuals and affected communities.
The protests which started on Friday March 28 saw Kokodiagbene communities storm Utonana flowstation and occupied the station till date.
Making this development a crisis is that it is happening at about the same time the indigenes of Benikrukru Communities and other communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom are occupying Abiteye station.
Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman of Benikrukru Community, Mr. Solomon Eris who led other communities to Abiteye flowstation has vowed never to leave the premises until the company comes down to discuss with them.
To further demonstrate their resolve, protesters in Abiteye Field held non-denominational church service. And thereafter released their masquerades of war on the company’s yard.
Our reporters also observed Youths, women and men chanting war songs at the time of filing this report.
On his part, the Chairman of Okerenkoko Community, Mr. Kingsley Oturubo, explained that the oil affected all their communities among which are; Makaraba, Okoyitoru, Okerenkoko, Ekpemu, Gbegbe, Asafama, Daunimighan Ekpemu, Bikumor, Biboperezion, Poutubu, Ovuleye, Akapata, Adagbarasa and Oluba communities.
Currently, the protesters in Abiteye, Utonana and Makaraba flow stations which belong to Chevron Nigeria Limited are making arrangements to ensure a complete shutdown of operations in Gbaramatu kingdom.
Meanwhile, Chevron Nigeria Limited in a statement to GbaramatuVoice on Saturday (March 27, 2021), has denied oil spill from their 16′ Abiteye, Makaraba and Utonana fields in CNL’s Western area of operations in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
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