The people of Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have shut down facilities operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) over an alleged ‘unlawful’ arrest of their chiefs and youth president by the operatives of the Nigerian Police Force. The police spokesman in Bayelsa State, ASP Musa Muhammed, had in a statement in Yenagoa, the state capital, confirmed the arrest of six suspects in the community over alleged violence and threats to oil and gas production. But the protesting people of the community, including elders, youths, and women, displaying various placards, demanded the release of their chiefs and other leaders from police detention.
The community is embroiled in a leadership tussle, a situation that prompted some of the leaders to institute a court case. It was learnt that when the leaders and youth president went to court for a hearing on Friday, they were arrested outside the courtroom after the court proceedings. As a result, the community decided to shut down the oil facilities, which have crippled the activities of NAOC in the area.
The community is demanding the immediate release of their chiefs, CDC Chairman and youth president. Speaking shortly after the protest, a community member, Owei Jackson, said: “The state government should go and ask the oil company; they know that we are a peaceful people. Whenever we disagree with them, we settle it internally.
So, the governor should also know that whatever kingship co.