Residents of Unyenge Community in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have staged a dramatic protest, accusing oil companies of abandoning the area for 17 years and failing to rebuild a collapsed bridge that has crippled their economy.
The protesters vowed to sustain the demonstration until their demands are met, insisting they are tired of what they described as years of broken promises, neglect and marginalisation.
Key Highlights
Community protests alleged 17 years of neglect by oil firms.
Residents demand urgent reconstruction of the collapsed bridge.
Protesters threaten prolonged action until authorities respond.
Youths accuse firms of denying locals permanent employment.
Women allege pollution, gas flaring and lack of basic amenities.
Community says transport costs have soared since the bridge collapsed.
Hundreds of youths, women and community leaders gathered at the riverbank on Thursday, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards bearing messages such as “No Bridge, No Work,” “Employ Our Youths,” and “No Road, No Work.”
The protesters called on Savannah Energy Nigeria Limited, Tulcan Energy Resources Limited, Shimao and Jeosco to immediately address their grievances.
According to community leaders, the crisis worsened after a bridge collapsed on October 15, 2025, when a truck transporting heavy equipment reportedly caved it in, cutting off movement and disrupting farming, logging and other economic activities.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Godwin Matthew accused Savannah Energy of failing to fulfil repeated promises to reconstruct the bridge.
“For over 17 years since Savannah Energy began operations here, we have had no access road, no hospital, no potable water and now our bridge has collapsed. We have written several letters, but nothing has changed,” he said.
He also alleged that although many community youths work for the companies, none has been offered permanent employment.
Chief Matthew said the company had promised to rebuild the bridge before the end of 2025 but had yet to begin the project.
Instead, he claimed company vehicles now use an alternative route through Esit Eket and Ibeno, while residents are forced to cross the river by boat, paying about ₦1,500 per trip.
The President of the community youths, Joseph Timothy, listed several unresolved issues, including poor roads, unemployment, unfavourable working conditions and the delayed reconstruction of the bridge.
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Women’s leader Mrs. Nkoyo Etim accused the companies of excluding women from employment and contract opportunities while neglecting essential infrastructure.
She also alleged that gas flaring and oil pollution have contaminated water sources, reduced farm yields and contributed to respiratory illnesses among residents.
“We don’t have a hospital, good roads, clean water or even a functional market. Since the bridge collapsed, life has become harder because people now pay to cross the river by boat,” she said.
Etim further claimed that women who previously earned income through vegetation-clearing jobs around the companies’ operational base have since been disengaged.
Attempts to obtain comments from Savannah Energy’s Community Manager, Arit Bassey, were unsuccessful as calls, text messages and WhatsApp messages were not responded to before the report was filed.
