Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Oil production estimated at about 400,000 barrels per day was disrupted on Monday when Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Delta State shut down several flow stations in protest over the delayed implementation of the Warri Federal Constituency delineation report.
The affected facilities included the Kenyagbene (Abiteye), Otunana, Jones Creek, Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, Egwuatu 1 and 2, Makaraba, Olero and Opuekaba flow stations.
The protesters, made up of youths, women and community leaders from the riverine communities, said the action was aimed at compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission to implement the delineation report ordered by the Supreme Court.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “INEC: Implement Warri Delineation Report” and “No Implementation, No Production,” the demonstrators insisted that the report must be enforced ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the Kenyagbene Flow Station, community leader, Chief Dr. Marian Ogoba, said the communities were demanding the implementation of the delineation exercise conducted by INEC following a Supreme Court judgment.
“We are not fighting anybody. We are only demanding our rights. We want INEC to implement what the Supreme Court has ordered. If our rights are not given to us, this facility will remain shut down,” she said.
Another community leader, Fanty Goodness Owotorufa, maintained that the protest was peaceful and focused solely on ensuring compliance with the court ruling.
She said, “The Supreme Court has already given its verdict on the delineation of Wards. What remains is implementation. That is why we are here.”
Former secretary of Benikrukru Community, Dr. Paul Boyitie, accused INEC of failing to act on a process it had already concluded, noting that the final delineation report was presented to stakeholders in Asaba on May 20, 2026.
According to him, the report identified wards occupied by the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri ethnic groups and followed consultations with stakeholders.
At the Otunana Flow Station, protesters echoed similar demands, insisting that oil production would remain suspended until the report is implemented.
Representatives of Kokodiagbene and Krukrudagbene communities said the protest was aimed at securing fair political representation and protecting the rights of affected communities.
The demonstration remained peaceful as of the time of filing this report, while protesters vowed to sustain the shutdown until INEC implements the Warri Federal Constituency delineation report.
