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The aggrieved Isoko group has given a 14-day ultimatum to Heritage Energy, Nigeria Agip Oil Company, and other oil companies operating in Isoko land to peacefully shut down operations and begin to address their demands with immediate effect.

The group, under the aegis of the United Coalition Front Emancipation Movement (UCFEM), gave the warning in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Mr. Ogbu Ogbu, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Warri.

According to the group, the ultimatum took effect on April 11.

The group, who felt marginalized by the oil multinationals, said if the companies fails to accede to their request, it would launch attacks on their installations in Isoko land.

The youth had in March 2022, threatened to launch a coordinated attack on oil and gas flow stations, pipelines, trunk lines, and other equipment if the companies refuse to heed their demands.

Among other things, the youths are calling for the engagement of Isoko youth in the onshore and offshore platforms of the oil companies.

They want the promotion of the very few Isoko sons and daughters working with them into management positions as well as intensive training of the people on various skills acquisition programmes.

“We want the operators of OML 61, 30, 26, and 28 to peacefully shut down operations in Isoko land while our grievances are attended to at a round table discussion.

“The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, Nigeria Agip Oil Company, Heritage Energy, Shell Petroleum Development Company, and First Hydro should peacefully shut down their operations in Isoko land and comply with our demands.

“Oil and gas multinationals and NNPC operating in Isoko land should heed our warning and advice for a peaceful shutdown of operations till further notice.

“UCFEM will not be blamed for any action taken for the protection of its existence as a people and defense of Isoko land.”

The group also called for the establishment of an Isoko Ethnic Nationality Regional Development Commission for the fast and efficient human capacity development of the Isoko youth and the Isoko nation.

They decried the non-inclusion of the Isoko people in the federal government’s Amnesty Programme which, according to them, had denied the youth of the empowerment, engagement, training, and other benefits accruing from the program.

Meanwhile, the Community Relations Officer of Heritage Energy, who simply identified himself as Mr Williams, told NAN that they were not allowed to speak on the issue.

“We are not allowed to discuss issues like this with the press. We have our media consultant based in Lagos State who handles issues like this,” he said.

Williams, however, promised to get back with the contact of the consultant but never did.