Leaders from Ugborodo in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have raised concerns over the disappearance of three community members who were actively engaged in a peaceful protest at Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) facilities.
These individuals reportedly vanished near the Escravos River on Wednesday evening following an alleged aggressive encounter with Naval officers.
The three missing locals were reported to have participated in the ongoing demonstrations at CNL’s premises, addressing the non-implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Alex Eyengho, a prominent figure within the Ugborodo community, communicated this distressing development through a text message sent to journalists in the early hours of 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 of communication, Victor Anyaegbudike, in a telephone chat.
While noting that CNL is yet to come with a rejoinder on the matter, he said,” There’s nothing like that.”
He asked the Correspondent to ask the people of Ugborodo community to tell him if 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 the Navy what to do. They’re government security forces.”
