The wave of discontent along the Niger Delta

Shell's disregard for those living on oil-rich land has led other communities in the Niger Delta to try and prevent further damage to their environment. To date, eight communities along the delta hold virtually the same grievances as the Ogoni against Shell:

The Ogbia.

In November 1992, the Ogbia community produced a 'Charter of Demands' and established MORETO (The Movement for Reparation to Ogbia) under Chairman Atukpa J Dakoru. The Charter stated, 'That due to intentional, negligent and/or inadvertent oil blowouts and spillages, our entire land, creeks and rivers and atmosphere have been polluted over these long years.' It went on to state that there were no tarred roads except between oil wells; that the only water to drink was from polluted creeks; there were no telephones and that all protests had been ignored. The Ogbia have demanded compensation for damage, the rewriting of the Constitution, fair employment, the flaring of gas to cease, and the burying of high pressure pipelines at least 5 feet below the surface away from residential buildings61.

The Igbide.

In August 1992, Igbide youths in Delta State, west on the Niger Delta, blocked a road to Shell's Oroin flowstation for 5 days, demanding employment, water and electricity62.

The Ijaw.

In September 1992, Diebu youths from South Ijaw blocked a Shell flowstation to protest against damage caused to fishing nets after an oil spill. In November 1992, the Peremabiri community in Southern Ijaw sealed Shell's Dieby Creek flowstation to protest against non-payment by Shell for an oil spill which occurred in February 199263.

The Etche.

In 1990, 10 miles from Ogoni, 80 people were shot dead by the Mobile Police Force and 495 homes destroyed during a peaceful protest against Shell, after the company requested the assistance of the Mobile Police Force64.

The Izon.

In 1992, the Izon Youth Vanguard, Burutu and Bomadi, Delta State, threatened to destroy the Escravos and Forcados terminals. A letter was written to the US Embassy advising that all US citizens be evacuated. This apparently stemmed from a complaint against Shell: a demand for electricity. There were no casualties65.

The Irri.

In June 1993, the Irri community in Delta State claimed that many of their houses were damaged after seismic testing was conducted by a Shell contractor. An African Concord journalist visited the area and found large cracks in buildings and shattered glass _ 30 houses were damaged66.

The Uzere.

In 1992, according to an article in the National Concord, following a protest against Shell, some oil wells were shut down. Demonstrators _ mostly women and children _ blocked roads carrying placards stating that there was no water, electricity or hospitals, even though oil exploration started 36 years ago. It is reported as being one of the most neglected areas in the region67.
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