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Community Protests Alleged Negligence and Killing by Indigenous Oil Firm in Bayelsa State

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Justice Nwafor
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File photo for illustration <br> Image Credit: Independent Newspaper Nigeria

Aggrieved residents of Sangana Kingdom in the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State in Nigeria's Niger Delta region have taken to the streets to express their displeasure against Conoil Plc, an indigenous oil firm. The residents allege that the company has displayed negligence and is responsible for the brutal killing of a youth named Benson Ikiowori. The incident has sparked outrage within the community and prompted demands for justice and accountability.

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Allegations of Brutality and Missing Persons

The placard-carrying protesters claim that soldiers guarding the Conoil Plc facility at the Otuo oilfield, situated within the Oil Mining Lease 59, shot and killed Benson Ikiowori. Additionally, several others were injured during the confrontation. The community members further allege that since the face-off between the youths and the oil company's security personnel, two individuals have gone missing and others have been hospitalized.

The Protesters Demand Action

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The protesters, comprising women, men, and youths, have voiced their frustrations and demands for justice. They emphasize that the community youths, including the deceased Ikiowori, had initially gathered at Conoil Plc to demand that the company fulfill its corporate social responsibility to the area. However, following the tragic incident, the aggrieved residents took to the streets, brandishing placards with inscriptions such as "Stop killing us," "We are tired of Conoil oppression," and "Why kill an innocent youth?" among others.

Community Leaders Condemn Conoil's Attitude

Chief Moses Kenibara, the paramount ruler of Moko-ama in the Sangana Kingdom, expressed his condemnation of Conoil Plc's alleged poor treatment of the community and the tragic killing of Ikiowori. He emphasized that despite the company operating in their area for the past 25 years, the host community has seen little benefit. Kenibara stated that the community had engaged in dialogue with Conoil Plc, but their concerns were disregarded, and promised agreements were left unfulfilled.

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The youth president of Sangana community, Ambrose Ayah, echoed Kenibara's sentiments, accusing Conoil Plc of treating the community as slaves. Ayah emphasized that the recent incident leading to the death of Benson Ikiowori was unnecessary, as the protesters were unarmed and posed no threat.

Calls for Government Intervention

Clever Inodu, the chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council, Central Zone, and Otonbara Sigimo, his Sangana clan counterpart, condemned the use of armed military personnel by Conoil Plc to suppress the aggrieved indigenes. Inodu expressed his frustration, questioning the oil company's lack of development initiatives despite operating on their ancestral land. He also warned that if Conoil Plc failed to address the concerns within 48 hours, another peaceful protest would be organized.

Barry Ikosomi, an official of the Ijaw National Congress, Central Zone, demanded government intervention to address the issue. He emphasized the community's commitment to maintaining peace and urged the authorities to honor the ultimatum given by the youth.

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