Warri – Activities at the Forcados Terminal were in the early hours of today brought to an abrupt end, as Ogulaha community youths. in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, protested what they feel is unfair treatment meted out to them by the Dutch oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Computer (SPDC).
The Ijaw youths in their number, were led by the youths president of Ogulagha community, Comrade ThankGod Iyoragba.
The youths reportedly shut down the Forcados Terminal, and further embarked on a dance procession, armed with bells across the town attracting more sympathy from folks.
Nigerian Observer learnt that, the main entrance of the Forcados Terminal was barricaded and the gate locked, disallowing entry and exit of SPDC staff.
As at press time, the angry youths were still on the streets while the main entrance remained under lock and key.
Speaking to journalists, President of Ogulagha community, Comrade Iyoragba, insisted that the Terminal would remain locked until their demands were met.
According to him, some of their demands include, the urgent reinstatement of community workers allegedly sacked by SPDC in 2020 and payment of outstanding salaries owed the said workers.
Other demands of the Ijaw youths include an end to inaccessibility to the management of SPDC by Ogulagha community executives, disparity between community workers and ‘strangers’ who access the facility by air in the guise of Covid-19 pandemic, among others.
Meanwhile, the Ogulagha Kingdom branch of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has called on the management of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and other leaders in the area to swiftly wade into the protest at the Forcados Terminal to avoid graver development.
This was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Samuel Ebiarede Uyadongha, Chairman, and Comrade Keneware Emmanuel, Information Officer of IYC, Ogulagha and made available to newsmen in Warri on Friday.
The IYC called on the management of SPDC to halt the age-long marginalisation, sacking of workers and other demands by the Ogulagha youths.
“They protested that they have made several calls to ensure that the gate be opened and the sacked workers be restored but to no avail.
“Now the youths are tired and have taken it upon themselves. We call on SPDC, stakeholders and leaders of the community and kingdom to wade into the issue and let the needful be done without further delay,” IYC pleaded.
As of the time of filing the report efforts to reach SPDC management to respond to the development, were unsuccessful as they were not forthcoming with their response.
