Tension flared in Delta State on Monday as hundreds of angry residents from the Irri community in Isoko South Local Government Area stormed the OANDO-operated oil flow station, accusing the energy giant of years of neglect, marginalisation, and breach of agreement.
The massive protest, which grounded operations at the facility, saw men, women, and youth united in a peaceful demonstration that sent a strong message to OANDO’s management. Protesters carried placards with bold messages including “We Need Electricity”, “No Project Since 2017”, “Respect Our Traditional Rulers”, “We Need Indigenous Contractors”, and “OANDO Stop Exploiting Irri”, effectively blocking access to the site and disrupting business activities.
Community leaders say OANDO has failed to honour the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) initially signed with NOAC, the previous operator, before its acquisition by OANDO. Despite repeated attempts to engage the company through letters and dialogue, they allege the oil firm has continuously turned a blind eye to the community’s plight.
Speaking at the scene, the Odiologbo of Irri, HRM Simon Wajutome Odhomo, expressed deep frustration. “For years, OANDO has operated on our land, extracted our resources, and given nothing back—not even a courtesy visit to our palace. We have written letters and sought dialogue, but no progress has been made.”
Read also: Massive protest erupts in Delta as Irri Community shuts down OANDO flow station over years of neglect
Breaking News: Irri Community storms OANDO Flow Station in protest over marginalization
While community anger simmers, the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. Comrade Warri Ovoke Friday, appealed for calm. Addressing protesters at the flow station, he assured them that their grievances have reached higher authorities and called for a temporary pause in the protest to allow for a resolution.
“We understand the pain and frustration of our people, but we must give peace a chance. We are here with the Commander of the 181 Battalion, Lt. Col. Dabo, to mediate and ensure that OANDO listens. Let us give them a two-week window to act in good faith,” Warri stated.
In a separate address, the President-General of Irri community warned that OANDO’s continuous disregard for the people, under the guise of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), will no longer be tolerated. “The PIA does not stop them from acknowledging our traditional institutions or responding to our concerns. If they continue ignoring us, we will shut down all oil operations in Irri,” he declared.
