A video released by TVC News on Thursday showed hundreds of Ogidigben locals, including women, youth, and community leaders, blockading the facility. The protest targeted the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposed delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency, a move the Itsekiri natives claim disregards their territorial rights.
The demonstration follows a Supreme Court ruling last week that prompted INEC to review constituency boundaries. Protesters warned that failure to address their grievances would lead to shutdowns of other critical national assets within Itsekiri territories. “This is just the beginning. We will escalate actions until our demands are met,” a community representative stated.
The refinery, a key economic asset in the Niger Delta, now faces uncertainty as Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings navigates the fallout. Local authorities have yet to comment, but sources confirm heightened security in the area amid fears of further unrest.
