Community protests alleged underdevelopment by oil firm

Residents of Ovade-Oghara Community in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, have embarked on an indefinite protest, paralysing operations at the Pan Ocean Oil Corporation (Nigeria) Limited (PANOCO), over what they described as systematic, malicious and under-development of the community.

The protesters, which include community elders, women and youths, stormed the premises of the company, which commenced oil exploration in the area 45 years ago, as early as 5:30am yesterday, with placards.

Chairman of the community, Mr. Hitler Ighaka; Secretary, Odeh Festus; Chief Simeon Ogheneovo Odeh; the Chief Priest of Oghara Kingdom and others who addressed journalists, said after about 45 years of oil exploration, their arable land is currently suffering from a severe environmental degradation.