Imo: Soldiers, Youths Clash Over Oil Companies

Nigerian soldiers reportedly clashed with some angry mobs in Mgbala Agwa community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state following a breach of an agreement by oil companies operating in the community.

According to the report, the chaos started after some oil companies operating in the Mgbala community refused to stick to an earlier agreement between them and the community as regards the way of operation.

The youths accused the companies of ravaging major roads in the community with their operations without fixing them, Naija News learnt.

Confirming the incident to newsmen, a resident in the community said, “the youths blocked an operational vehicle belonging to the company, insisting that they won’t free it until the company repairs their road.

“The oil company immediately alerted the security agencies who chased people away and arrested some.”

The companies listed in the breach of the agreement which results in the clash include; Sterling, Seplat, Water Smith, among others, the source noted.

He noted that residents in the community have been subjected to untold hardship by the companies.

Naija News understands that the companies reached out to the military men who came threatening to shoot any of the angry youths who attempt causing damages to the companies.

On his part, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed in a phone interview to newsmen that the crisis had been brought under control.

Meanwhile, a 43-year-old man, Joshua Abraham, has been arrested by Ogun State Police Command for allegedly stealing his neighbour’s baby’s placenta.