Outrage has enveloped Ikot Akan village, a sleepy agrarian community in Ukpum Ete clam, in the oil – bearing Ikot Abasi local government area of Akwa Ibom State, following the raid by troops of the Nigerian Army on offensive against bunkering activities carried out by suspected oil thieves, LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered at the weekend.
According to some local residents, two persons caught in the crossfire including an unwary traveller died on the spot, while others remain critically injured.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed to provide security to Indian expatriates working at Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited (SPFL), have again orchestrated a regime of heavy handed siege on our community, killing two persons and critically wounding others.
“This is not the first, second or third such incident, but a regular occurrence, and we call on the State government to wade into this perennial crises between SPFL and the host communities,” Hon. Emmanuel Ekwere, a concerned local resident lamented.
But the Army’s Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer (PRO), 2 Brigade in Uyo, the State capital, Capt. Lawal Bala Mohammed, and the SPFL’s image maker, Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr, denied.
In a separate statements on Saturday made available to Journalists, Mohammed, explained that violence erupted when military operatives apprehended some suspected oil thieves scooping diesel from an SPFL’s tanker, admitting that the military action was carried out to stem the crisis from escalating.
He explained that the Army operatives opened fire to disperse the crowd and deliberatly shot one of the protesters in the leg when he became too unruly, adding that in the process of combing the area, an unidentified dead body was discovered.
“Troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army received credible information on the activities of criminal elements siphoning diesel from a heavy duty equipment at Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company located at Ukpum Ete, in Ikot Abasi LGA.
“In a bid to checkmate the criminals, the troops conducted follow -up operations, which led to the arrest of a driver conveying the stolen products. While returning the suspect and exhibit to the company for interrogation, the youths in the community barricaded the road, in an attempt to free the suspect and exhibit.
“They resorted to hurling bottles and stones on the troops who are carrying out legitimate duty.
“Efforts, were made to ensure the situation didn’t escalate further, but to no avail, as they became more violent. Troops also fired warning shots still in an attempt to disperse the irate youths and ensure normalcy is restored but to no avail.
“Hence, the ring leader was identified and shot on the leg. He was later evacuated to the hospital for treatment. The youths later became more weird and resorted to vandalising private vehicles, harass innocent commuters as well as attack the SPFL’s company trucks that were plying the road.
“Troops were later reinforced from the Brigade and further exploitation in the area was made after dispersing the crowd. This led to the discovery of a yet to be identified dead body, with a coffin placed beside his corpse.
“The remains was immediately evacuated to the mortuary by men of the Nigeria Police Force, reinforced by troops of 2 Brigade. Troops are currently scanning the area to ensure the company’s assets are secured,” he stated.
In the same vein, the SPFL’s Media Manager, Aniekeme Finbarr, though claimed awareness of the skirmishes, argued that “the incident occurred approximately 15 kilometres away from our operational base and did not originate from or take place within our facility as erroneously reported.”
“We understand that the situation involved a crossfire between Nigerian Army personnel and suspected oil bunkering elements, which unfortunately led to the reported death of a civilian.
“We offered our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and our heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by this incident and the fall out. We consider this entire episode most unfortunate. We also note that some of our returning vehicles in the area were impacted during the incident.
“It is important to clarify that, in line with Federal Government protocols, security around oil and gas operations is provided by duly mandated agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Marine Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“These personnel operate under their respective commands and do not report operationally to SPFL. The company’s role is limited to administrative support in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
“We have been in contact with relevant authorities following notification of the incident and are monitoring developments closely.
“We reiterate our commitment to the safety of our host communities and support all lawful efforts by security agencies to address illegal activities such as oil bunkering.
“We appreciate the army and other security agencies for their efforts in ensuring security cover while we undertake operational activities that contribute to the economy of our country.
“We also note that a similar engagement involving suspected oil bunkering activities was reported a few weeks ago by the Nigerian Navy, following intelligence received from Port Harcourt.
“We urge the public to rely on verified information and allow the appropriate authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation,” he stressed.
