Delta community, Chevron trade words over alleged disappearance of protesting indigenes
Leaders of Ugborodo in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have alleged that three indigenes of the community who were part of the ongoing peaceful protest at Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, facilities are missing.
According to the community leaders, the indigenes went missing at the bottom of the Escravos River on Wednesday evening after an alleged vicious attack by Naval officers.
The three missing indigenes were said to be among those protesting at the CNL’s facilities over non-implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Alex Eyengho, a leader in Ugborodo community disclosed this in a text message forwarded to journalists early on Thursday, November 23.
He alleged that “a vicious attack was launched by the Commanding Officer ( C.O) in Chevron Nigeria Limited Tank Farm in Ugborodo Community (Escravos) and his men” on the instruction of a PGPA Boss in Chevron Nigeria Limited as well as other senior officials of the oil and gas major”.
Eyengho further claimed that the Nigerian Navy through the CO in Chevron Nigeria Limited Tank Farm in Ugborodo community, Escravos River, vowed to shoot at and kill the peaceful protesters in the area if they continue with the protest.
He alleged that the Navy C.O, Olayinka Aliu, made the threat earlier on Wednesday when he came to address the protesters.
“Let me put it on record that if the ongoing peaceful protest against the manifest acts of illegalities and wickedness of Chevron towards its key host communities go out of hand, the Navy in the area, under the leadership of Olayinka Aliu, should be held responsible.
“Apart from the lingering issue of the deliberate non-implementation by Chevron of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by extant laws and regulations, the peaceful protesters have other existential issues with Chevron.
“This is one protest that will not come like a flash in the pan. We are determined. We are resolute. It is no retreat, no surrender,” the community leader said.
Eyengho swore that the Ugborodo people cannot be intimidated by Chevron or the security agencies
“They should be ready to shoot and kill everybody in Ugborodo community and other host communities who are part of this protest.”
However, in a swift reaction to the allegations, Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikkin, simply said, “Nobody is missing.”
Brikkin spoke through the Manager, Communication, Victor Anyaegbudike.
While noting that CNL is yet to come with a rejoinder on the matter, he said,”There’s nothing like that.”
He asked DAILY POST Correspondent to ask the people of Ugborodo community to tell him is truly anyone is missing.
The spokesman further denied that CNL has compromised the Nigerian Navy. According to him, “We don’t control the Navy. We don’t tell Navy what to do. They’re government security forces.”
