The Ijaw Chapter of the Delta State Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCOM) has accused employees of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of vandalising pipelines.
A statement by its chairman, Kingsley Ikiere, and Secretary Ozugbo Godwin alleged that SPDC workers were involved in vandalising pipelines to create jobs for their friends and cronies.
The statement reads: “Shell has started its blackmail of some host communities to deprive them of their entitlements and benefits.
It said: “Odimodi, Isiyayeigbene, Ogulagha, Okuntu and other host communities have kept their part by providing a peaceful working environment for Shell to operate its facilities.
“In 2009 and 2013, suspected vandals and pirates handed over to security agencies by Isiyayeigbene and Odimodi communities were released without any punishment because they are working with Shell Staff.
“We call on Shell to stop the incessant and cheap blackmail being perpetrated to deprive Odimodi, Isiyayegbene, Ogulagha and Okuntun communities of their entitlements.
“If we are not allowed to partake, then it will be clear that SPDC is aware and supports the dubious activities of its workers at the Forcados terminal.”
