Host communities of Conoil Producing PLC in Delta State, organized under the OML 150 Communities’ Consultative Forum, have issued a strong warning that they will take action to force a new rig deployed by the company to leave its operational base in Warri Federal Constituency.
The threat was communicated by the Forum’s Secretary, Oritseweyinmi Emmanuel Agbonekuya Aginejuone. Aginejuone accused Conoil of hiring 300 workers without consulting or involving the host communities, a move he described as exclusionary and disrespectful to the people who host the company’s operations.
He further alleged that Conoil operates a “divide and rule” strategy, creating tension among community members instead of fostering collaboration and local engagement. Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Aginejuone said:
“We are strongly opposed to Conoil’s actions. We have decided that from today, Wednesday, until tomorrow, Thursday, we will take steps to force the rig to leave our community.”
He added that the communities have been engaged in peaceful protests against the company, stressing that their efforts will continue until their demands are formally recognized and addressed. “Our protest will persist, and we will not relent until the company addresses our legitimate grievances and properly engages with the host communities,” Aginejuone declared.
The statement underscores growing frustration among host communities in Delta State over perceived marginalization by oil companies operating in their areas. By threatening direct action against Conoil’s operations, the communities are signaling their determination to assert their rights and demand inclusion in employment, benefits, and decision-making processes associated with oil production on their land.
This standoff highlights the ongoing tension between oil companies and host communities in the Niger Delta, where local populations often call for greater participation and fair share of the resources extracted from their territories.
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