By Ovedhe Jerry
A Social Group under the aegis of Isoko Movement Against Social Slavery and Economic Sabotage (IMASSES) has condemned the ongoing abiteral arrest and harassment of some Idheze community sons by JTF concerning the issue of the oil spillage in Idheze Community.
This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesman of the group Comr. Kofi Ogboro, made available to newsmen in Ozoro. They opined that, “the dastardly act of pipelines vandalism was carried out by some unknown vandals.”
The group vehemently frowned at the unruly manner of arrest and harassment of innocent citizens of the Community by JTF under the watchful eyes of Agip Oil Company, warning the management of Agip Oil Company to tread with caution and desist from further arrest, so as not to magnify out of proportion the already tense situation into full blown crisis.
They added that, “the way and manner the oil company are taking the matter was not community friendly at all. As of a truth, no matter what has happened Agip Oil Company should know that Idheze Community is a host community to them.
“If they don’t call the JTF back from their ongoing action of intimidation, harassment and arrest, then it will be an act of threat to the citizens of the land and this can be counterproductive as it can boomerang and became an avenue for restiveness as seen and witness in other parts of the country”.
They reaffirm that IMASSES were watching the ongoing situation in Idheze community with keen interest as Isoko social cultural group and at the same time issued a serious warning to Agip Oil Company to as a matter of urgency release without delay any Idheze person arrested in connection to the Idheze oil spillage and find a better way of addressing the issue with the community leaders to curtail any further occurrence of that nature.
The group however commended the role played by HOSTCOM Isoko branch for their stand in the ongoing oil spillage matter in Idheze community.
Meanwhile, the coordinator of the group had earlier on in a chat with newsmen condemned the unwarranted arrest and harassment of some of Idheze citizens in connection with the Oil spillage, saying that, “I strongly believe that there are ways in resolving issues like this Oil spillage that has happened in Idheze. I denounced the inhuman treatment, harassment and intimidation that has been going on against my people”.
