Angry indigenes of Tuomo community in Burutu local government area of Delta State on Monday closed down operational facilities of Nigeria Agip Oil Company over an alleged breach of a General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).
The protesting indigenes bearing placards with varying inscriptions comprised of men and women, and stormed the facilities in the early hours of Monday.
The protesters chanting songs of solidarity, accused AGIP of rescinding on agreements to provide basic amenities for the communities.
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They called on the management of the company to do what is right to avert further shutdown of the facilities.
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Chairman of Tuomo community, Mr Tomke Binebai, who led the protesters, accused Agip of failing to fulfil promises to the community since 2009.
He said, “Agip has been promising and deceiving us since their operation here in 2009. They promised to provide light for Tuomo as their host. If you go to their station, there’s a steady electricity supply but their host community is in total darkness.
“Tuomo people have taken their decision against Agip and we’ll remain here until our demands are met.
“Enough of this insult and embarrassment. We’ve taken our decision and if they really want to operate here, let them light up Tuomo, pay the surveillance chances, employ our youths and adhere to the GMoU.
“It’s ridiculous to say that since inception, Agip has not employed a single youth in this community. They have been dribbling us. Now, we have decided to stay in our own land which Agip is occupying.”
The management of Agip was yet to react to the shutdown of it’s facilities as of press time.
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