Another State of Emergency Looms as Itsekiri Natives Shut Down 28,000 Barrels-Per-Day Oil Facility
in Delta A state of emergency appears imminent in Delta State, as Itsekiri natives have forcibly shut down a major oil production facility in Ogidigben, Warri. The facility, with a capacity of 28,000 barrels per day, was brought to a halt on Wednesday amid growing tensions in the region.
In a video released by TVC, hundreds of Ogidigben natives were seen gathered in protest outside the oil facility.
The protestors, expressing their frustration, were seen blocking the entrance to the site, effectively preventing the workers from continuing operations.
The shutdown comes as no surprise, as local communities in the South-South region have increasingly raised concerns about the environmental and economic impacts of oil exploration in their areas, demanding a greater share of the profits and better protection of their land and livelihoods. While the specifics of the protest remain unclear, sources suggest that Itsekiri leaders have called for an immediate resolution of long-standing grievances, including issues related to environmental degradation, lack of infrastructure development, and insufficient compensation for land taken for oil extraction.
The shutting down of the facility could have significant implications for the region’s oil production, which is crucial to Nigeria’s economy. With the government and oil operators now facing mounting pressure, all eyes are on how they will respond to avoid further escalation.
