Hundreds of elders, youths and women of Ifiekporo community in Warri South Council area of Delta state today shutdown the operations of Matrix Energy and 8 other oil tank farms for allegedly failing in their corporate social responsibility to the community for15 years running.
The community head, Pa. Judge Mogbeyiteren in-council with others at the peaceful protest at the only community entrance, mounted a road blockade leading to the various tank farms therefore crippling loading of petroleum products to various parts of Nigeria.
Speaking to newsmen at the protest site, Monoyo Edon, the community public relations officer, 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.
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He said numerous letters have been written to these companies since 2017 till date to correct these anomalies without 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 until they attend to us”, he stated.
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 who 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 blockade while the tank farms management will be engaged to address their demands.
The protesters however, insisted that they would not open the blockage until they are attended to.
As at the time of filing this report the protesters were still standing their ground not to leave the road leading to the tank farmers.
