28 Nov 2018 | 06:10 PM UTC
Nigeria: Protest at oil facility in Akwa Ibom state Nov. 28
Local groups block access to oil and gas facility in Akwa Ibom state November 28; political tensions high amid violence at assembly building
Event
So-called youth groups have reportedly blocked the entrance to an oil and gas facility during a demonstration in Eket (Akwa Ibom state) on Wednesday, November 28. According to local reports, the group has placed coffins and other materials at the entrance of the facility and have impeded employees from accessing the site. Organizers have threatened to continue their demonstration until the police and the federal government end their involvement in local political affairs and clashes with supporters of rival political parties.
Context
Violent protests between local groups and lawmakers at the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly took place on November 27. An ongoing political crisis between People's Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers has resulted in attempts at impeachment, targeted attacks, and clashes between security forces and party supporters over the previous week.
Protesters and militant groups in the Niger Delta region often target oil and gas facilities due to their economic and political impact. The groups primarily demand the redistribution of wealth generated by oil assets in the Niger Delta. In 2016, attacks on oil facilities brought Nigeria's oil production to a 30-year low.
Advice
Individuals present in the Niger Delta region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for potential militant activity, and, if possible, avoid nonessential travel to affected regions.
The security environment in Nigeria is complex, and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.
