PROTESTING youths of Ogulagha community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, weekend, laid siege at the multi-billion naira Forcados Terminal, operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) following the expiration of the community’s ultimatum to the multinational oil firm to repair its shoreline, which is under severe threat by erosion.
Vanguard learnt that the youths, who stormed the terminal as early as 6.00 am on Saturday, and barricaded the entrance, refused to vacate the area until the Delta Waterways Security Committee (DWSC), an agency set up by the Delta State government to gather intelligence information, ensure peace and security in the waterways of the state intervened.
It was gathered that the intervention of the DWSC team, led by Chief Second Benikurukuru (JP) and Mr. Prince Seimode saved the protest from degenerating, as the youths were not ready to lift the siege unless there was a definite response from the company.
However, the siege was lifted about 11 hours after the Delta Waterways secured an understanding f from the youths and facilitated a dialogue process with the company to be held on Tuesday.
Investigation by Vanguard showed that the SPDC gave the shoreline protection contract to Westminster Dredging and Marine Company, but it appears there are some financial details yet to be sorted out, as the dredging firm was insisting on further payment before commencing work.
But the villagers who are bearing the brunt were not prepared to suffer any longer and had to vent their anger.
A source said the SPDC claimed that up to 2.3 million dollars had been paid already for the shoreline project and that Westminster Dredging and Marine Company should have mobilized to site, but we could not confirm the exact payment at the time of going to press.
But the tension that gripped the workers over the protest eased out when the siege was lifted and free movement in and out of the terminal resumed.