Aja-Omaetan community in Warri North of Delta State have accused Chevron Nigeria Limited of deploying heavily armed security men to the area following agitation by the people against the unbearable suffering imposed on them and their environment by CNL from the Dibi Field through gas flaring just as the state governor has been urged to urgently intervene to starve off imminent bloodshed in the area.
The community also alleged that the security operatives are now intimidating, beating, molesting and driving the people away from their homeland.
In a letter by the authorised representatives of the Aja Omaetan community to the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, they stated that �the effect of CNL gas flaring in Dibi Field has taken a dangerous dimension as their farms have been burnt beyond redemption, their land, air and surrounding water are overheated with its attendant associated unknown ailments now prevalent in the community�.
The letter signed by the community Chairman, Mr. Anthony Jemide; Richard Mogbolube, General Secretary and Austin Ayonronfo, PRO respectively said they have written several letters to CNL managing director without response and expressed dismay that instead of coming with viable solutions to the problem the CNL management responded �by deploying heavily armed joint security operatives to the area�.
While expressing dismay over CNL non-chalant attitude towards the community by way of non-empowerment of the natives, they told the Governor that if the situation persist, the youths of the area cannot be expected to fold their arms and wash their livelihood sleep off their hands, saying that in the event of any break down of law and order leading to confrontation , the CNL managing director should be held responsible.
They therefore called on the Governor to urgently intervene and call for negotiation between both parties even as they have invited the governor to come and see the less than 1 kilometre gas flare plant from the community to appreciate the magnitude of the scorching heat CNL has subjected them to.