Aggrieved Isoko youths in Delta State, under the aegis of the United Coalition Front Emancipation Movement, on Monday, threatened to launch coordinated attacks on oil facilities in their land over the alleged refusal of oil companies to engage them on their onshore and offshore platforms.
The youth also condemned the refusal to promote into management positions the few Isoko sons and daughters working with the oil companies, describing the development as an aberration to the oil-producing community.
The group made the threat in a statement by their spokesman, Mr Ogbu Igbele, which was made available to journalists in Warri.
Igbele said the Isoko nation had not been occupying its rightful place as an oil and gas-bearing community and host to many companies.
The statement read in part, “OMLs 26, 28, 30, 61 and others should directly engage the Isoko youths in their onshore/offshore platforms and also carry out intensive training of the people in various skill acquisition programmes.
“Failure to address the above, there shall be coordinated attacks on oil and gas flow stations, facilities, pipelines and trunklines, including movable and immovable equipment, and materials of the oil companies.
“Contractors, expatriates, engineers and non-indigenes working with the oil companies are advised to quit Isokoland for safety reasons.”
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
