Hundreds of aggrieved youths from the Ifie-Kporo community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State stormed the Makaraba Oil Field on Wednesday, shutting down operations at Chevron Nigeria Limited’s (CNL) Well 24 and Well 25 facilities over allegations of systemic marginalisation and non-recognition.
The demonstrators arrived at the riverine oil site early Wednesday in a convoy of speedboats, taking control of the facilities and forcing field workers to evacuate as crude oil production came to a halt.
Protesters displayed banners and placards demanding fair treatment and full recognition under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Inscriptions on the banners included; “Chevron, you can’t operate in our community and refuse to recognise Ifie-Kporo Community as host”, “Chevron, give us our right or leave our land. Enough is enough”, “We Want Justice, Employ Our Youths”.
Community representatives accused the multinational energy giant of neglecting its host community despite operating on ancestral land.
Speaking on-site during the peaceful demonstration, youth spokesman Tosan urged Chevron management to honor past precedents set by previous operators and grant the community its lawful rights.
”Chevron has been unfair to our people for far too long. Well 24 and Well 25 sit directly on Ifie-Kporo ancestral land. We will remain on site and ensure operations stay suspended until the firm formally recognises Ifie-Kporo as a host community in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.” said Tosan, Spokesperson for Ifie-Kporo Youths.
The demonstrators highlighted that Gulf Oil, the previous operator of the assets, had recognized and engaged Ifie-Kporo as a host community, and urged Chevron to restore the same operational standards.
At press time, production remains suspended across the affected wells, and Chevron Nigeria Limited has yet to issue an official response regarding the facility shutdown or community negotiations. Local authorities and security forces are monitoring the situation to preserve order in the area.
