Angry Youths Shut Down SEEPCO OPL Oil Field in Bayelsa

 

Some youths from the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC and Onuebum community in Ogbia Local Government Area of ​​Bayelsa State on Tuesday barricaded the site of an oil well project in OPL 2005, located in the community.

According to the youths, the project owner, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), has ignored the state government’s directive to resume negotiations with host communities and comply with local, state and federal laws, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The angry youths, more than a hundred in number, arrived at the project’s dredging site around 9:30 a.m. and disrupted operations.

They were also supported by the Onuebum youth led by the Chairman and Secretary of the Onuebum Oil and Gas Task Force, Mr. John Bailiff Egapekpar and Eng. Ebitimi Egbenpere respectively.

The youths, chanting Ijaw songs, held up placards reading “SEEPCO complies with Section 12 of the EIA Act”, “IYC calls for implementation of Section 236 of the PIA for Onuebum community”, “We reject your disregard for oil industry laws” and “Refrain from your illicit operations in Onuebum”.

IYC Chairman, Ayama Clan, Comrade Samson Insurance Lucky, said: “We were in Onuebum to challenge Sterling Global’s anomaly in the areas of EIA non-conduct, disrespect towards the Onuebum community and disregard for existing laws.

“We call on the company to resume discussions with the community and comply with relevant laws. The company has also rejected and dismissed the IYC’s efforts to assist in resolving the contentious issues.”

The traditional leaders of Onuebum community, led by the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Highness Obanema Kine Kobolota Osain, Ogo XVI and his deputy, Grand Chief John Alpheus Edede, Opalama XIII, have confirmed that despite the protest organised by the IYC and youths of the community, the State government should call Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) to order.

Paramount Ruler said, “What we are asking for is that the company conduct the EIA and comply with existing laws. Instead of complying, they have engaged in divisive tactics. They have ignored the authority of the community.

“We call on the State government to call Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) to order.” [Daily Post]

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