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Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site - Politics - Nairaland

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Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Wadeoye(m): 7:40am On Sep 06, 2016
*Rivers community youths attack JIV team
*For allegedly refusing to give N5m kickback
*Leaders debunk allegation
*Army invades community; razes 6 houses, beats up villagers
*We’ve no hands in invasion of community – Total


By DAVIES IHEAMNACHOR and MERCY OGUJI

ODIEMERENYI – SOME armed youths of Odiemerenyi community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, supposedly ambushed and attacked a team of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, TEPNG, who went on a Joint Inspection Visit, JIV, to assess the damage and seal the spill site. The attack came as officials of company rebuffed their illegal demand of N5 million.


The youths purportedly went wild and exchanged gunfire with soldiers attached to the team, who bravely repelled the onslaught.

The spill occurred on OML 58 pipeline belonging to Total E and P Nigeria Limited, last week, reportedly polluting Amashell stream, the major source of drinking water to the people, and also destroyed farmlands and aquatic lives in the community.

Youths attacked JIV team

A source in the village, who pleaded anonymity, told NDV that officials of the company visited the community to stop further spills from the facility, but some youths in the area molested them. He disclosed that the youths allegedly demanded the company to pay them N5 million before they would be allowed to access the site and check the spill. They went berserk and exchanged gunshots with soldiers attached to the team.

NDV gathered that when the soldiers overpowered them, the youths ran into the community. However, the soldiers took the battle to the community, razing down the house, which they alleged some of the boys ran into and beating up several persons, including an aged widow.



Oil firm lied – Agbesor

Mr. George Agbesor, who spoke on behalf the youth president of the community, Mr. Goodluck Agbasa, said that fear has gripped residents of the community since the offensive by soldiers attached to Total, last Thursday.

Agbesor urged state government, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, and other relevant authorities to prevail on Total to follow due process to ensure a peaceful working environment in the community.

He also called on the relevant bodies to compel Total to rebuild the houses burnt by the soldiers in the community.

Agbesor said, “Immediately I heard about the spill, I sprang into action by calling Total’s Manager on Community Affairs, but he lied to me that the company is already discussing with the youth president and the CDC. Then, I called the youth president and he told me it is not true, that he and the Community Development Committee, CDC, chairman are even waiting to hear from Total.

Why youths resisted JIV team

“So, on Thursday, Total came to the community and was resisted by the youths from accessing the spill site because the community told them to follow due process. They cannot just come into a community without informing the community of what they want to do.

“This is not the first time oil spillage is happening, normally whenever there is spillage, Total normally liaise with the appropriate representatives of the community, which is the youth president, CDC and Council of Chiefs, but instead of Total to reach out to the community concerning the spillage, they came in with soldiers to beat us up and burn down our houses,” he asserted.

They came with soldiers to shoot, burn houses

Speaking to NDV on the matter, an ex-councilor in the area, Mr. Henry Mishack, condemned the invasion of the community by soldiers. Mishack regretted that instead of Total to meet with the stakeholders in the community, it rather instructed the soldiers to shoot at the protesting youths and burn down their houses.



He explained that the community youths were beaten to stupor by the army and a total of six houses in the town were razed.

2 widows, others affected

While disclosing that two of the houses belonged to aged widows, Mrs. Susanna Anwunanya and Mrs. Letem, Mishack said: “We are pained that this kind of thing is happening at this point in time.

“Even if those who were resisting Total ran into these houses, is the army supposed to set them ablaze? Why not cordon the house and bring them out? Now look at these widows, they are homeless now, they do not have where to go, they do not have where to stay and Madam Susanna just lost her husband, few months ago.”

JIV team ambushed, attacked by villagers – Oil firm

Reacting, the management of Total Exploration and Production Nigerian Limited dismissed the claims of attack on Odiemerenyi community as unfounded.

In a statement, the Deputy General Manager, Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Charles Ogan, said: “Total can never send soldiers to destroy any community. Whenever there is an oil spill, there is normally a Joint Inspection Visit to the site to ascertain the cause of the spill. So we had a JIV made up of NOSDRA, Ministry of Environment, NNPC, security agents and other experts in the industry; but on getting to the community, we were ambushed, so we had to retreat.”

The company further asserted: “Total E&P Nigeria Ltd. (TEPNG) has been made aware of incidents that reportedly occurred on Thursday, 25th August 2016 in Odiemerenyi community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, including destruction of properties and harassment of people. TEPNG is categorically denying any involvement in these incidents.” Adding: “On Thursday 18th August 2016, TEPNG received information from a pipeline surveillance contractor that there was a suspected leak on the crude export line from Obagi to Rumuekpe at Odiemerenyi.

“On Saturday 20th August 2016, TEPNG met with the community representatives to organize a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the site of the suspected leak. After obtaining the full agreement of the community, the Joint Investigation Visit was organized to the site of the suspected leak on Thursday 25th August, 2016, in accordance with industry best practices and fully abiding by Nigerian laws and regulations. The JIV involved regulators from Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and TEPNG environment and safety Teams.

“As the Joint Investigation Team was getting close to the location of the incident, the convoy was ambushed by unidentified people with gunfire. The inspection visit was immediately aborted, and TEPNG Team and the representatives of regulatory agencies were safely taken from the area.

We’ve no link with attack on community

“TEPNG is not in any way linked to any other incident reported within the community and will liaise with the relevant authorities to obtain clarifications on the reported incidents. TEPNG is fully committed to working closely with our host communities, as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility policy, and respect for Human Rights is paramount in all our activities,” the company stated.

It said: “TEPNG will continue to maintain the existing cordial relationship with Odiemerenyi community. The relationship between TEPNG and Odiemerenyi community is covered by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ekpeye Kingdom signed in 2012 for the period 2012-2016. Under this MoU, TEPNG built 6 classroom blocks and a Youth Corpers lodge for the benefit of Odiemerenyi community.”


http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/armed-youths-rivers-exchange-gunfire-soldiers-oil-site/


Photo1 One of the widows whose house was burnt (standing), with her son, and sympathisers.

Photo2 Another house allegedly burnt by soldiers at Odiemerenyi, in Ahoada East LGA.

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by captainbangz: 7:50am On Sep 06, 2016
After some go start say na only for north such fit happen.SMH

7 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Pierocash(m): 7:53am On Sep 06, 2016
when soldiers levels down d whole community d wailers and d enemies of naija wil cry 'Buhari is a dictator' bt they won't cal their children to order
Niger Deltans always dwell with this false mentality that they confront and withstand d Nigeria Military bt wil be d first to cry whn they been dealt with.
ODI massacre comes to mind

94 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Izonpikin: 7:54am On Sep 06, 2016
na wa....
Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Izonpikin: 7:56am On Sep 06, 2016
Pierocash:
when soldiers levels down d whole community d wailers and d enemies of naija wil cry 'Buhari is a dictator' bt they won't cal their children to order
Niger Deltans always dwell with this false mentality that they confront and withstand d Nigeria Military bt wil be d first to cry whn they been dealt with.
ODI massacre comes to mind
why should they level the whole community because of a few miscreants...let the army level the miscreants holding weapons and shooting at them..

77 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by RZArecta(m): 7:57am On Sep 06, 2016
Bastards and buffoons, the usual parasites in this country will say "the entire village should have been burnt down" instead of the perpetrators should be apprehended and brought to book. As if everyone in the village is involved in criminality.

10 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Pierocash(m): 8:07am On Sep 06, 2016
Izonpikin:
why should they level the whole community because of a few miscreants...let the army level the miscreants holding weapons and shooting at them..
why should d community accommodate and harbour such criminals withoup exposing them,and u want d community to be exonerated frm a reprisal and commisurate-brutish attack frm d military

54 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by DaudaAbu(m): 8:29am On Sep 06, 2016
crocodile smile armoured personnel carrier never reach there?

1 Like

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Izonpikin: 8:34am On Sep 06, 2016
Pierocash:

why should d community accommodate and harbour such criminals withoup exposing them,and u want d community to be exonerated frm a reprisal and commisurate-brutish attack frm d military
see me see wahala oo..so you want the communities who are dead afraid of these guys to go around yapping about the same miscreants that wreak havoc in the community...if the armies cant carry out their intelligence well they can as well leave the community alone...rubbish..


so the job of our army is to carry out reprisal attacks on community people..do you hear your goddamn self...oya let them try it na.... undecided undecided undecided undecided

48 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Izonpikin: 8:36am On Sep 06, 2016
RZArecta:
Bastards and buffoons, the usual parasites in this country will say "the entire village should have been burnt down" instead of the perpetrators should be apprehended and brought to book. As if everyone in the village is involved in criminality.
i am trying to school someone on that...

where was the army when these miscreants attack innocent persons on the sea going about their businesses.....

the army is only concerned about oil but yet want innocent people to risk their lives dishing out information overtly about the miscreants...

5 Likes 1 Share

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by JonSnow(m): 8:40am On Sep 06, 2016
Wadeoye:
OME armed youths of Odiemerenyi community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, supposedly ambushed and attacked a team of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, TEPNG, who went on a Joint Inspection Visit, JIV, to assess the damage and seal the spill site. The attack came as officials of company rebuffed their illegal demand of N5 million.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/armed-youths-rivers-exchange-gunfire-soldiers-oil-site/

Only 6 houses razed down by soldiers... They are too lenient. The entire village of criminals should have been leveled.


How/Why did we end up with people like you? Mods, this dude is clearly breaking some rules. see to his e-incarceration please. angry angry

9 Likes

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by limeta(f): 9:47am On Sep 06, 2016
Yoruba/fulani useless soldiers

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by veekid(m): 10:07am On Sep 06, 2016
Boys from that part of the country no dey chill at all; dem get mind
Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by finalboss1(m): 10:08am On Sep 06, 2016
hmmm... for that ahw say ...kill dem all
Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Pierocash(m): 10:09am On Sep 06, 2016
Izonpikin:
see me see wahala oo..so you want the communities who are dead afraid of these guys to go around yapping about the same miscreants that wreak havoc in the community...if the armies cant carry out their intelligence well they can as well leave the community alone...rubbish..


so the job of our army is to carry out reprisal attacks on community people..do you hear your goddamn self...oya let them try it na.... undecided undecided undecided undecided
what is intelligent work without communal co-operation.this communities shield dis boys frm possible arrest and military invasion,and u want peace

2 Likes

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by ALAYORMII: 10:09am On Sep 06, 2016
Armed insurrection in Nigeria is now order of the day
Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by truthalways(m): 10:09am On Sep 06, 2016
We too dey show ourselves for this country

The miscreants from that community no get sense, why attack people escorted by soldiers na

The soldiers sef too do...no need to burn down houses and beat old women

Everybody like to dey show power for Naija...even gateman for companies no go allow you enter drop ur cv

Smh

8 Likes

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by MadCow1: 10:10am On Sep 06, 2016
The Soldiers should not retreat until the creeks are free from terrorists.

3 Likes

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by hakeem4(m): 10:11am On Sep 06, 2016
These boys have the balls to fight soldiers

I remember the time one Hausa soldier slapped me in public I couldn't shout, it was the man beside me that was just shouting " yeeeeeeey!!!!"

People were now asking why was he shouting. He said because he knows the slap would be very painful

13 Likes

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Cherishing(f): 10:11am On Sep 06, 2016
Buhari
Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Jay542(m): 10:11am On Sep 06, 2016
captainbangz:
After some go start say na only for north such fit happen.SMH
I taya oo. All hypocrites.

1 Like

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by kings09(m): 10:13am On Sep 06, 2016
Nawa oo
Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by Dpharisee: 10:13am On Sep 06, 2016
The Army should apply the rules of engagement and stop the wanton destruction of innocent peoples properties in anger.
I think that General Buratai should be court marshaled for the loss of his men in Operation Crocodile Smile who drowned in Brass River without any engagement with militants due to their inability to swim and lack of proper amphibious training prior to deployment; we cant continue to lose our soldiers indiscriminately in avoidable circumstances.

2 Likes

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by SuperBlack: 10:13am On Sep 06, 2016
Nigerians should keep exchanging fire untill something happens.

1 Like

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by THUNDAR(m): 10:13am On Sep 06, 2016
Where the Guns Where the Fire Where the boys?? Where the Soldiers


pishur or Adonbilivit
Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by naija1stpikin: 10:14am On Sep 06, 2016
kiss kiss
Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by eleko1: 10:14am On Sep 06, 2016
WIcked Wike boys have turned Rivers state to killing field
Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by dunkem21(m): 10:15am On Sep 06, 2016
Izonpikin:
see me see wahala oo..so you want the communities who are dead afraid of these guys to go around yapping about the same miscreants that wreak havoc in the community...if the armies cant carry out their intelligence well they can as well leave the community alone...rubbish..
so the job of our army is to carry out reprisal attacks on community people..do you hear your goddamn self...oya let them try it na.... undecided undecided undecided undecided


These days of no freedom after speech, I still dey hail you for speaking out.

Kudos.

2 Likes

Re: Youths In Rivers Exchange Gunfire With Soldiers Over Oil Site by bushguy: 10:15am On Sep 06, 2016
I did not even bother myself reading the whole story. How will some group of people we just decide to exchange gun fire with a security agent? Nah wa ooooooo

3 Likes

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