Protesting youths in Ndokwa communities of Delta State have allegedly blown up pipelines following a violent face-off between an oil company, Sterling Global, and the Okpai Community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The angry youths also seized 11 oil tankers belonging to the oil company after they reportedly hijacked what was initially a peaceful protest organized by women in the community to draw attention to their plight due to the activities of the oil company.
THISDAY learnt that four other vehicles were allegedly set ablaze in the ensuing confusion as the protest went out of control.
It took the drafting of military personnel to the area to restore peace with many persons arrested in the process, including the chairman of Okpai community development committee (CDC), Chief John Emordi.
Before the demonstration went awry, women and youths in Okpai community commenced blockade against Sterling Global Oil Company last Friday in protest against the destruction of their road built by Agip Oil Company years ago, demanding the reconstruction of the road and general development of the community.
However, the Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Friday Osanebi, has met with representatives of Sterling Oil Company in an effort to resolve the feuds which has reportedly led to many residents fleeing their homes into the bush or taken refuge in neighboring communities to avert arrest.
[THISDAY]