By Our Correspondent, Warri
Hundreds of elders, youths and women of Ifiekporo community in Warri South Council area of Delta state today Wednesday shutdown the operations of Matrix Energy and 9 other oil Tank Farms for failing in their Corporate Social Responsibility, SCR, to the Community for over 15 years running.
The community head, Pa. Judge Mogbeyiteren in-Council with others at the peaceful protest at the only community entrance mounted a road blockage leading to the various tank farms therefore crippling loading of petroleum products to various parts of Nigeria.
Speaking to newsmen at the protest site, the community Public Relations Officer, Comrade Monoyo Edon said the community have declined to listen to their plight of non-existent of any Memorandum of Understanding, lack of employment of qualified graduate indigenes, lack of any meaningful development infrastructure, disregard and disdain for the community and so on.
He said numerous letters have been written to these companies since 2017 till date to correct these anomalies with out success, saying that “we are tired of their continued divide and rule tactics. Enough is enough. We have decided to take our destiny into our hands and we shall remain here untill they attend to us”, he stated.
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111who was represented by Chiefs Otimeyin Adams and Eugene Ikomi appealed to the protesting elders and youths to remain peaceful while concerted efforts are being made to address the issues at stake.
Various security outfits including the military and Navy came to appeal to the protesters to open the blockage while the tank farms management will be engaged to address their demands.
The protesters have, however, insisted that they would not open the blockage until they are attended to.
As at the time of filing this report the protest continues.
