Youths from Ifie-Kporo Community Occupy Macaraba Oil Field Over Rights Issues

Hundreds of youths from the Ifie-Kporo community in Warri South, Delta state, took action on Wednesday by shutting down operations at the Macaraba oil field. They accuse the oil company of ignoring their community and not recognizing it as a host area.

The protesters arrived at the oil field in speedboats, carrying signs that read messages like “We Want Justice,” “Employ Our Youths,” and “Give Us Our Rights or Leave Our Land.” They are demanding justice, job opportunities for local youth, and acknowledgment of their rights over Wells 24 and 25.

The youths claim that the oil company has been operating on their ancestral land without proper engagement with the community. They have vowed to stay at the oil field until their concerns are addressed.

During the protest, a youth named Tosan expressed that the company has treated the community unfairly. He warned that the occupation would continue until their demands are met. The protesters emphasized that Wells 24 and 25 are located on their ancestral land and called on the company to respect their rights as a host community, as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act.

They pointed to Gulf, another oil company, as a positive example, stating that it has recognized and engaged with the Ifie-Kporo community regarding its operations. The youths warned that if their demands are ignored, it could lead to unrest in the area and urged the company to resolve the issue through dialogue.