Protesters from Ikweghwu community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, stormed a crude oil facility owned by Seplat Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Thursday , demanding for jobs and infrastructure development.
The protesters, who were demanding for jobs and infrastructure development, stormed the facility in the early hours of the day, stating that they were not benefiting from the community’s oil wealth, and demanded an end to the, “oppression and intimidation” from the company’s Management.
The protesters carried placards which had inscriptions; ‘ we can’t be suffering in our own land’, ‘we need our Memorandum of Understanding now’ ‘We need access control’ ‘8 years of slavery, we say no’.
The President General of the Community, Comrade David Uyelaju, said they need a clearly written Memorandum of Understanding, and jobs for their sons and daughters, maintaining that the Company has not been treating them fairly.
“We have been understanding, we have continued to be patient and they are taking us for granted, even our Royal father had to intervene in this, yet they have refused to sign the MoU”
The Community Secretary, Duke Dino Ayerunu on his part, said that they have resolved to stay put at the company’s gate to press home their demands.