Hundreds of youths from Ifie-Kporo community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State have halted operations at the Macaraba oil field, demanding recognition as a host community and accusing the operating company of marginalising residents.
The protesters occupied the oil facility on Wednesday after arriving in speedboats, insisting that Wells 24 and 25 are located on their ancestral land and that the community’s rights have not been adequately recognised.
They carried placards bearing messages including “We Want Justice,” “Employ Our Youths” and “Give Us Our Rights or Leave Our Land,” as they demanded youth employment, fair treatment and recognition of their community’s stake in the oil operations.
The demonstrators accused the company of conducting activities on their ancestral territory without adequately engaging the community. They vowed to remain at the site until their grievances were addressed.
One of the protesters, identified as Tosan, said the company had treated the community unfairly and maintained that the occupation would continue until the youths’ demands were met.
The protesters also called on the operator to recognise Ifie-Kporo as a host community in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), arguing that Wells 24 and 25 fall within their ancestral territory.
To support their demand, the youths cited Gulf, which they said had recognised and engaged with Ifie-Kporo as a host community for its oil facilities. They urged the Macaraba operator to follow the same approach.
The demonstrators warned that continued failure to address their concerns could threaten peace in the area. They called on the company to pursue dialogue and resolve the dispute before tensions escalate further.
The company’s response to the allegations was not included in the account of the protest.