Barely a month after the
official re-opening of Oil Mining Lease, OML-25 flow station in Belema
community in Akuku-Toru Local Government n Rivers State, youths have invaded
the flow station and disrupted production operated by Shell Petroleum
Development Company, SPDC.
The Traditional ruler of
Belema, one of the host Communities, King Ibinabo Kalaoriye, who raised the
alarm on Wednesday claimed that youths allegedly working for an indigenous oil
company stormed OML-25 flow station on Tuesday and disrupted production.
King Kalaoriye who did not
state the grievances of the invaders, called on the government and security
agencies to investigate and arrest those who invaded the flow station, thereby
disrupting the production of over 35,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
The controversial OML-25
flow station which was shut down and occupied by women and youths of host
communities of Belema Offoin-Ama and Ngeje in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area
of Rivers State since August 2017 was officially re-opened on amid celebrations
on Saturday, September 28.
According to the
traditional ruler, “Shell is the operator of the flow station. Government
should not allow militants and criminals to create crisis in the Niger Delta
beginning from the crisis in Belema flow station. Belema community is ready to
create enabling environment for businesses, indigenous and foreign oil
companies to operate in the area.”
He pointed out that the
federal government lost such revenue when the flow station was shut in August
2017, until it was officially reopened on Saturday, September 28.
Our Correspondent reports
that the only indigenous oil company that also has a stake in the Belema OML-25
flow station is Belema Oil Producing Limited. But it was not clear as at press
time whether it was the company being alluded to by the traditional ruler.
However,at time of filing
this report, neither Belema Oil Producing Limited or SPDC has issued a
statement on the alleged invasion.
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