Nigerian soldiers are in a conspiracy with Agip, says Delta community

By Chika Jones

The Oleh community in Delta State, have accused Nigerian soldiers of conniving with Nigerian Agip Oil Company, (NAOC).

The community in Isoko South local government area, Delta state, have alleged that NAOC connived with soldiers to renege on agreements it reached with the community to discontinue its operations in the community.

The operations of the company has resulted in a recent oil spillage and the community reached an agreement with NAOC to stop operations,  pending the resolution of the grey issues. On September 7, 2016 the company’s pipeline had ruptured in the community with the resultant oil spillage causing a fire outbreak in the area.

Chief James Obeuwou who is the President-General of Oleh community development association while speaking with newsmen on the development, said that representatives of NAOC, the state Ministry of Environment, the local government and the community, had, after an assessment of the rupture, agreed that the affected area be cordoned off until a final agreement at a consultative forum.

However NAOC had reneged on this agreement. According to Vanguard, Obeuwuo said: “Sadly, Agip connived with the soldiers to continue with its operations in the area.”

Chief Obeuwuo also noted that the spill which destroyed farmlands arising from the fire outbreak, was “caused by over pumping of crude oil as a result of error in their machines.

Obeuwou added: “A glow lit the sky as if a volcano had erupted in a distance. There was a sound like high pressure water fall almost like a siren. People living around the area started running for their lives because it was frightening. It was like the world was coming to an end. We have never witnessed anything like this in the community.” Sir Ithiak Ikpokpo, the council chairman, urged the company to put its equipment in good shape, adding: “They cannot run their business at our detriment.”

Meanwhile, there is tension in Delta state as nine communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West local government area have sent a save our soul message to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over the massive oil spillage wreaking havoc in their areas. The nine communities are Tebujor/Okpele-Ama, Ikpokpo, Okerenkoko-Gbene, Opuedebubor, Opuede, Opuendezion, Atanba, Oto-Gbene, Meke-Ama Communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom. 

* Source: Naij.com