The indigenes of Ikot Akan and Ete Communities in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, as well as the indigenes of Ikot Oyoro Community in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, came out in their numbers to protest the destruction of their community caused by the operations of Geo Seismic Survey Limited.
AgroNigeria gathered that the protesters converged at the Part 110 Base Camp for the protest in Mkpat Enin LGA, aimed at expressing their displeasure over the destruction of their buildings and farmlands due to the frequent blasts and tremors resulting from the activities of Geo Seismic LTD.
Speaking with newsmen at the protest venue, the Chairman of the Local Content Monitoring and Compliance Committee, Odudu Udoh, expressed his disappointment with the company’s management for their attitude towards the communities’ complaints.
He stated that the company has refused to take responsibility for the ecological damage caused by their operations, including declining an invitation from the Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals.
Udoh requested that the company honor the ministry’s invitation and that the management address the communities’ grievances to prevent the disruption of their activities and promote peaceful co-existence.
In his words, “The dialogue with the aggrieved people of the affected communities is imperative because their lands and buildings have been destroyed and devastated as a result of the tremors and blasts from your activities.”
Meanwhile, the Community Affairs Manager, Geo Seismic Survey Limited, Philip Aguda, apologized to the protesters and pledged to comply with their directives.
