Normal operations at the Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT) headquarters of the Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) were disrupted for several hours yesterday as Niger Delta militants took their campaign to the Eket in Akwa Ibom State.
The militants, under the aegis of Movement for the Survival of Ethnic Nationalities in the Niger Delta (MOSENND), reportedly stormed the terminal at about 2 p.m. and forced their way into the premises after overpowering the security operatives on duty at the main entrance.
On taking over charge of the security at the main entrance, the militants, who reportedly arrived through the sea in a convoy of speed boats, replaced all the locks before ordering all the workers and contractors to stay put in the premises.
Nobody was allowed to either go in out of the premises throughout the duration of their occupation of the premises.
They were said to have demanded the payment of compensation in respect of the 1998 oil spill incident that occurred in the Mobil operational area.
A spokesman of the company confirmed to Daily Independent last night of the presence of the militants, but describing it as a rally peaceful.
�Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, operator of the NNPC/Mobil Joint Venture confirmed that the representatives of an organisation called Movement for the Survival of Ethnic Nationalities in the Niger Delta held a peaceful rally outside the Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT) premises Wednesday, March 8, 2006� the spokesman said in a telephone chat with Daily Independent last night.
According to the spokesman, who pleaded anonymity: �There were no injuries, as production continued as normal,� adding �All relevant security and government agencies have been informed of the development. MPN is committed to all environmental compliance and peaceful relations with the communities in which we operate.�