Irate residents of Ogu/Bolo in Rivers State have sealed the premises of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) office in Port Harcourt, protesting the death of a 27-year-old fisherman, Precious Imabibo, allegedly caused by the company’s vessel.
The protesters, led by Samuel Diamond, are demanding justice and compensation for the victims of NLNG’s alleged negligence. They claim the company’s vessel sank boats and destroyed fishing nets, resulting in Imabibo’s death on January 20, 2024.
The mother of the deceased, Blessing Imabibo, expressed outrage over NLNG’s alleged insensitivity, saying the company has not responded to their pleas for help since the incident eight months ago.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that the matter is being investigated, with both parties invited for a meeting.
NLNG has released a statement acknowledging the protest and pledging cooperation with the investigation. The company claims to prioritize the safety and care of its people and host communities.
In a statement by its General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, said it is aware of the protest, saying the relevant stakeholders are being engaged towards an amicable resolution of the issue.
Odeh further said the NLNG places priority on the safety and care of its people and host communities, even as he called for calm while awaiting the outcome of the Nigerian Police probe into the matter.
The two-paragraph statement entitled, ‘Protest At NLNG Corporate Head Office’ read, “Nigeria LNG Limited is aware of a recurrence of a protest at its Corporate Head Office in Port Harcourt by a group claiming to represent the family in an incident allegedly involving an NLNG chartered passenger boat along the Amadi Creek in January 2024.
The protest has entered its second day, with travelers stranded and staff unable to access the company’s gate. The protesters vow to continue their action until their demands are met.
