Tension in Rivers state as Okirika youths demand payment of land rent for oil wells

The Okirika Youth Association has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Oando PLC, demanding the settlement of long-overdue land rent for oil wells operating in their community.

The oil wells, previously owned by Agip and now under the ownership of Oando, have reportedly been operating for the past six years without any payment to the host community.

The failure to pay rent has fuelled growing frustrations among the youth and other community members.

The Okirika Youth Association has outlined three major grievances non-payment of land rent, neglect of community development projects and environmental degradation.

The youth called for the immediate fulfilment of several demands including the immediate payment of all outstanding land rent, implementation of development projects and environmental remediation and compensation for the damage caused by oil activities, including pollution of the land and waterways.

The youths stated that Oando has until Monday, September 30th, 2024 to meet their demands.

They threatened that should the company fail to act within the timeframe, they would occupy all Oando offices nationwide, organize mass protests and rallies and initiate legal proceedings against the company.

Tamuno Joe, the spokesperson for the Okirika Youth Association, said: “We have been patient for too long. It’s time for Oando to take responsibility for their actions.”

A representative from the community also added, “We will not back down until our demands are met. We will fight for our rights.”