The stalemate in agreement between Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and it's host communities over payment of entitlements and implementation of a new Memorandum of Understanding appears to be getting messier.
This is as 10 persons are now being treated for varying degrees of injuries sustained after soldiers suspected to be attached to NAOC assualted some aborigines who have been occupying their gas plant in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area headquarter for over two weeks now.
NAOC had shutdown power distribution to the communities early last week in what sources claim is in protest against the continued occupation of the gas plant by the hosts.
City News gathered that the latest incident occurred at about 12:45 am, Monday leaving some of the protesters critically injured.
Sources claim the latest incident may have been triggered by the refusal of the protesting Omoku women and youths to allow for Agip crew change early Sunday evening at the OB/OB Gas plant in the town.
An eyewitness in an SOS early Monday morning had alerted City News: "Omoku protesters currently being attacked in the middle of the night by members of the nigerian army in an operation that was most likely sponsored by NAOC and assented to by NAOC's local partners in crime. At least 10 persons have been injured".
City News gathered the protesters have reassembled at the NAOC gate to continue with the occupation.
Some residents of the town have expressed fears the mounting tension between NAOC and it's hosts might escalate the fragile calm being enjoyed in the town. There are worries that things might get out of hand if the community action continues to linger with no respite in sight.
When City News attempted to raise this worry with the council chairman, Victor Odili, he neither responded to his calls or messages.
Credit : City News
