Tension is mounting in Delta State as hundreds of Itsekiri natives stormed and shut down a major oil production facility in Ogidigben, Warri South-West Local Government Area.
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The facility, which reportedly produces 28,000 barrels of crude oil per day, was brought to a standstill on Wednesday following a mass protest by indigenes of the host community.
A video released by TVC captured the moment angry protesters, including women and youths, blocked the main entrance of the facility, chanting solidarity songs and demanding immediate government and corporate attention to their grievances.
The protesters accused the operators of the oil facility of neglecting their host community, alleging years of underdevelopment, lack of basic infrastructure, and non-inclusion in employment opportunities.
Placards bearing messages like “No More Deceit,” “We Want Development in Ogidigben,” and “Enough is Enough” were seen in the hands of demonstrators as they insisted that oil exploration in their land must come with tangible benefits.
Sources within the community say the protest was sparked by what they describe as "decades of marginalization" by both the oil company and the government, despite the community’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil revenue.
They are also demanding immediate intervention from relevant authorities to address their concerns, including the implementation of community development projects and fair representation in oil-related activities.
Although the oil company’s management has yet to release an official statement, security operatives were reportedly deployed to the area to prevent any escalation of the protest. As of the time of filing this report, production activities at the facility remain halted.
This shutdown could have significant implications for Nigeria’s daily crude oil output, especially at a time when the federal government is striving to meet OPEC production quotas and boost revenue from oil exports.
The situation remains fluid, and more updates are expected as negotiations or possible government intervention unfold.
Stay with ConfirmNews for real-time updates on this developing story.