Tension in Irri as Community Protests Oando’s Neglect, Barricades Oil Facility

IRRI/Nigeria:  The people of Irri community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State have staged a massive protest against Oando Oil Company, accusing the firm of highhandedness, prolonged neglect, and failure to honour long-standing agreements with the host community.

The protest, which began on Monday and spilled into Tuesday, saw over a thousand aggrieved youths, women, and men storm the company’s oil flow station, barricading its main gate and halting operations. The demonstrators, who carried placards with messages such as “We Need Electricity,” “No Project Since 2017,” “Respect Our Traditional Rulers,” and “OANDO Stop Exploiting Irri,” vowed not to vacate the premises until their grievances were addressed.

In a symbolic act of resilience, the protesters slaughtered two cows and prepared meals on site, stating that they were prepared for a prolonged occupation. Their anger escalated further when the company reportedly used a helicopter to evacuate some of its workers and bring in new personnel along with food supplies — a move that protesters said underscored Oando’s disregard for their plight.

According to the community, Oando has continued to sidestep its responsibilities since acquiring the oil field from NOAC, particularly the provisions of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) previously agreed upon. They accused the oil giant of marginalisation, inhuman treatment, and refusal to engage in dialogue despite repeated calls and letters.

“The PIA does not stop Oando from respecting our king or responding to our letters. If they continue to ignore us, we will shut down all oil activities in Irri,” warned the President-General of the community while addressing the media.

The traditional ruler of Irri, Odiologbo Simon Wajutome, also condemned the company’s attitude, noting that the community has made repeated efforts to engage the company to no avail. “They operate on our land, extract our resources, and yet they haven’t paid us a courtesy visit since they began operations. We’re giving them a two-week window to act,” the monarch said.

Wajutome, accompanied by the chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area and the commander of the 181 Battalion, Lt. Col. Dabo, appealed to the protesters to return home temporarily and allow space for peaceful resolution. “Let us give them the chance to fulfil our demands,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government, Friday Ovoke Warri, while addressing the demonstrators, expressed disappointment in Oando’s dismissive attitude. He confirmed that several letters had been sent to the company without any formal response and urged the community to remain peaceful while relevant authorities look into their concerns.

“This level of highhandedness and neglect by Oando is unacceptable. We must maintain peace, but their silence will no longer be tolerated,” Warri said.

As the protest gains national attention, Irri community leaders say they remain open to meaningful dialogue, but only if the oil company begins to take their demands seriously.