Protesting elders, leaders, women and youths of Ugborodo, an Itsekiri community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, have laid siege to the Escravos Tank Farm, belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, alleging neglect and discrimination by the multinational oil conglomerate.
Vanguard learned that the angry villagers, who set bonfires occupied the company’s premises since Tuesday and remained their till this morning.
Reports from the area said that the villagers cordoned the gate preventing access in and out of the company through the gate.
However, the company airlifted some workers out with helicopters, while tension has enveloped the area.
Security agencies were making efforts to calm the irate villagers, who refused to leave the company until their demands were looked into, accusing the firm of playing hide and seek with them.
Contacted, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, CNL, Mr. Deji Haastrup, simply stated: “We are engaging them.”
Youth President of the community, Mr. Ofe Nene, confirmed the siege to Vanguard, Wednesday morning, that the company was breaching the Local Content Policy, LCP, put in place by government to regulate its operations with host communities.
Vanguard learned that the angry villagers, who set bonfires occupied the company’s premises since Tuesday and remained their till this morning.
Reports from the area said that the villagers cordoned the gate preventing access in and out of the company through the gate.
However, the company airlifted some workers out with helicopters, while tension has enveloped the area.
Security agencies were making efforts to calm the irate villagers, who refused to leave the company until their demands were looked into, accusing the firm of playing hide and seek with them.
Contacted, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, CNL, Mr. Deji Haastrup, simply stated: “We are engaging them.”
Youth President of the community, Mr. Ofe Nene, confirmed the siege to Vanguard, Wednesday morning, that the company was breaching the Local Content Policy, LCP, put in place by government to regulate its operations with host communities.
