Delta Community Alleges Neglect, Unfair Treatment By Oil Firms

Residents of Otekpo quarter, Ellu community, Isoko North local government area of Delta State, have protested unpaid obligations by Sterling Global, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), and other stakeholders.

In a letter submitted to the companies’ Ogini and Warri offices, and copied to the Royal Majesty of Ellu Kingdom and law enforcement agencies, including the Area Command Ozoro and the DSS, the community outlined several grievances like years of neglect, unfair treatment, and demanded urgent redress.

The letter, signed by representatives of Otekpo quarter, Mr Uzezi Warri, Odio Ogugberi highlights the non-payment of salaries to local surveillance workers who have been securing company assets for months without compensation.

The delay, they claim, has caused untold hardship for families who rely on these earnings for survival, despite the workers’ continued dedication to their duties.

Another major point of contention is the unpaid rent for the access road and a critical 16-inch delivery pipeline that runs through Otekpo land.

The community alleged that Sterling Global and NPDC have failed to honour agreed payments, effectively depriving Otekpo of revenue rightfully owed. “This rent has long been due and yet ignored,” the letter stated.

Otekpo Quarter also accuses the Ellu Community Development Association (ECDA) and the Osa family of monopolising benefits from trucking activities along the access road, even though Otekpo holds the largest stretch of that infrastructure. “We bear the burden, but others reap the benefits. That is not just neglect, it is exploitation,” it emphasised.

Adding to their list of complaints, the community decried their exclusion from community slots and other development benefits enjoyed by other quarters within Ellu.

They argued that such marginalisation has denied their youths and families access to vital opportunities and empowerment programmes meant for the community.

The Otekpo Quarter representatives issued a strong call for justice, demanding the immediate clearance of outstanding payments, inclusion in all community benefits, and restoration of their rightful entitlements.

Sources within the community suggest that peaceful demonstrations and possible legal steps may follow if no action is taken within a reasonable timeframe.

While calling on government authorities at both state and federal levels to intervene, the community leaders have also voiced concerns about the potential threat to peace if these longstanding grievances remain unaddressed.