Why Tuomo community shut down Agip facilities in Delta

By Timi Black

The indigenes of Tuomo Community in Burutu local government area of Delta State have stated why the community shuts down oil facilities of Nigeria Agip Oil Company, NAOC, in the community.

The protesting indigenes including woman, men and youths alleged that they closed down the company’s facilities over breach of a General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) on Monday.

The protesters who were armed with placards of different inscriptions, demanded for implementation of the GMoU between the company and the community.

The community accused AGIP of neglected and deliberate moves to back down on agreements to provide basic amenities for the communities.

The Tuomo community, chairman, Mr Tomke Binebai, who led the protest, accused Agip of failing to fulfil promises made to the community since 2009.

Chairman noted: “Agip has been promising and deceiving us since their operation here in 2009. They promised to provide light for Tuomo as their host. If you go to their station, there’s a steady electricity supply but their host community is in total darkness.
“Tuomo people have taken their decision against Agip and we’ll remain here until our demands are met.

“Enough of this insult and embarrassment. We’ve taken our decision and if they really want to operate here, let them light up Tuomo, pay the surveillance workers, employ our youths and adhere to the GMoU.

“It’s ridiculous to say that since inception, Agip has not employed a single youth in this community. They have been dribbling us. Now, we have decided to stay in our own land which Agip is occupying.”

The community however, called on the management of the company to do what is right to avert further shutdown of the facilities.