Just In: N-Delta students, IYC shut down NPDC Benin headquarters

•Protesting students accuse NPDC of marginalization

By Timi Black

Niger Delta students have shut down Nigeria Petroleum Development company, NPDC, headquarters in Benin over what they described as marginalization by the oil firm.

The protest which took place in NPDC headquarters in airport road Benin was done in conjunction with Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Western zone.

The protest caused heavy gridlock as motorists and commuters were stranded for over several hours.

The protesters locked the entrance gate of NPDC with padlock as they restricted staff to gain entrance and exit from the office.

The protesting students match around major roads in the city with placards of different inscriptions such as Stop marginalizing Niger Delta students, We need scholarship, skill programmes etc.

However, the protest paralysed commercial activities in the ever busy city.

A student name (withheld) said the company has been playing divide and rule antics, adding that it does not have good plans for Niger Delta students.

“They promised to organise a seminar with payment of stipend and a laptop to each participant. But on the day of the seminar, they came with laptop bag that had no laptop but only charger. And the stipend they promised to pay, they have been playing prank on us.”

Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council, Western zone vowed to keep the company’s office locked till a proper step was taken to address the plight of the protesting students.