Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship ‘Delta’ have brought a violent protest involving locals from Ubeji and Ajalla communities which occurred at about at the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company premises over issues of employment.
Security reports available to NNS Delta however noted that attempts by the operatives of the Navy to bring the situation under control through the firing of warning shots into the air and the commotion that ensued, resulted into the death of two persons.
Meanwhile, Commanding Officer, NNS Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu has reiterated the readiness of the Navy to protect lives and property in its area of responsibility.
He said, “With respect to the incident that happened at NPDC yard at Refinery Warri, I wish to emphasize our readiness to protect lives and properties in our AOR.
“In doing this, we will be cognizant of the need to relate cordially with our host communities. I assure you that investigation is still ongoing on the issue”.
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Giving details of the violence, the security report indicated that the protest was initially peaceful but turned violent when youths from the two communities started fighting each other.
It said, “Operatives of NNS Delta stationed in the compound attempted to calm the crowd but instead, were themselves threatened.
“One of the ratings fired warning shots into the air to scare the advancing mob but the mob kept advancing towards the troops”.
”The rating fired more warning shots into the air. Two civilians were unfortunately killed in the melee.
“Troops from 323 Air Regiment deployed at the Warri Refinery Petrochemical Company and Sector 1 Operations Department immediately moved to the scene to forestall breakdown of law and order”.
Disclosing that the security operatives have brought the situation under control, the report said the corpses of the two civilians have been evacuated to the Warri Refinery Petrochemical Company while the community leaders and management of NPDC/WRPC are discussing ways of resolving the issue.
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