Bayelsa: Biseni Residents Protest Deplorable Road, Oil Firms’ Operations

Tension has reportedly escalated in Biseni Community, Bayelsa State, following a protest by women, youths and other residents over the poor condition of the access road and the activities of oil exploration companies operating in the area.

A video circulating on Facebook weekend, shows scores of residents blocking the road and hurling stones at heavy-duty trucks believed to be servicing oil exploration operations. The footage also captures men in military uniform in an altercation with the aggrieved residents while attempting to restore order.

According to reports, the protesters accused oil companies of continuing to use the badly damaged road with heavy trucks, further worsening its condition despite repeated calls for rehabilitation.

The residents also alleged years of neglect, lack of basic social amenities, and failure by relevant authorities and stakeholders to address their concerns. They further claimed that some community members who have spoken out over the situation have faced intimidation.

The protesters urged the government, oil companies and other relevant stakeholders to intervene urgently by rehabilitating the road, addressing their grievances and improving living conditions in the community to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.