Following two car bombs that exploded at the Shell Club area of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) residential area, the oil giant has closed most car parks in its areas of operation, and restricted entrance into its offices.
As at yesterday, SPDC issued an order directing everyone who parked cars in Shell compound to remove it, leaving only two car parks open.
Staff cars entering industrial and residential areas were subjected to stiff security screening.
A document released by SPDC titled “New Access Control Measures,” closed the second gate into the Shell Industrial area, leaving only the main gate open. Entrance through the gate were restricted to staff with valid identity cards.
Also, natives who made brisk business in the area have been banned from entering the compound, leading to an outcry by the Village Head that the action of the militants was affecting the natives more than SPDC.
“All entry into IA will be through the Gate 1 (Main Gate). Only staff with valid ID cards, will be allowed into the IA and other SPDC locations in Port Harcourt. All cars entering SPDC premises will be subjected to heightened security checks The IA back gate (Gate 3) will be closed and remain closed till further notice.
“Business visitors, subject to special clearance, will be allowed into the IA after due clearance with their hosts. Such visitors will not be allowed to drive into IA. Staff are to park in the green pavillion opposite Block 1 and when this is full, the space behind the fuel station will be used. Staff will be directed to these parking areas.
“Use of existng car arks are suspended till further notice. Such parking areas have been cordoned off. Staff with cars parked in IA and other SPDC locations inPort Harcourt, are required to identify such cars to the police and subsequently remove them (cars) from the vicinity within the day.
�Cars not removed will be towed away at owners costs and risks, to the nearest NPF station. While we regret the inconveniences these measures will cause to all of us, your understanding and support is required to make our work environment safe and secure,” the new rules stated.
Also condemning the blast, the Mgbuesilairu Council of Chiefs, in a statement signed on their behalf by chiefs Innocent Ilumora and Kennedy Wali, said it was a “wicked and irresposible action.”
They said over 90 per cent of their people do one menial business or the other around SPDC facilities, and now that the security situation has led to their being barred from entering such areas, their businesses are sufferring.
They called on the militants to desist from the dastardly act, as those they were claiming to be protecting were being adversely affected by their action.
Meanwhile, the Police in Rivers State has also confirmed the blasts, admitting that two bombs, one planted in a 305 car registered AZ924PHC at the Agip area and another in Shell Club.
They warned that any one engaging in acts that breaches peace was working against orderliness.
They pledged their readiness to combat crime in whatever form, and assured those behind the bombing that they would soon catch up with them. The Police also urged people to take proper notice of and screen people who entre their areas.
Dec202006