The Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT) facility of Exxonmobil at Mkpanak, in Ibeno local government area of Akwa Ibom State has been shut down by angry youths.
The plant was shut down by the youths in protest over oil spills suspected to be emanating from its plant.
The protest which began on Monday saw the protesters with various placards blocking the main entrance to the plant and preventing workers including the expatriates from going in.
Communities such as Inuaeyid, Ndito Eka Iba, the jetty beach area of Iwopom and other adjoining villages are those affected by the spill.
A fisherman, Asuquo Edigheyong, said, “Our farmlands, fishing and other maritime activities, which remain our only source of livelihood have been completely disrupted.”
The youths president of Mkpanak, Peter Peter Afaikoa and that of Inuaeyid, Itrechio Kingsley, as well as chairman of Ibeno youths president Moses Imoh, who spoke separately said they would not relent until their demands were met.
“We want Mobil to negotiate with us on how and when to clean the spill and pay adequate compensation because our waters with aquatic lives and farmlands have been seriously polluted by frequent oil spill from Mobil facility,” the youth president further stressed.
The paramount ruler of Ibeno, Effiong Achianga, has confirmed that there was a spill.
His words: “I have been briefed by the chairman of the council but ExxonMobil was reluctant to claim the spill emanated from its facility.
“We are waiting for them to clean the spill and to negotiate for compensation.”
The Commissioner of Transport and Petroleum Affairs, Mr. Orman Esin, who also confirmed the development, said he had responded promptly to ensure that the situation was brought under control.
The Commissioner said when the truth was established, a stakeholders meeting would be held to address the problem.
He enjoined the protesting youths not to take the laws into their hands.
Meanwhile, Mobil has denied that the spill was from its plants.
A statement from the Manager in-charge of Government and Public Affairs at ExxonMobil, Mr. Ogechukwu Udeagha, reads in part: “The company confirms that no oil was spilled from any of its facility.
“Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) remains committed to providing environmentally safe operations and ensuring that the health and environment of our neighbouring communities are protected.”
