Inhabitants of Unyenge, located in the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, organized a peaceful demonstration to protest what they describe as systemic neglect by local oil companies. The community members cite a lack of essential infrastructure, few job prospects, and significant environmental damage as their primary grievances.
Tensions reached a breaking point following the collapse of a local bridge on October 15, 2025. The structure failed while a heavy truck belonging to one of the operating firms was crossing. This incident has effectively crippled the area’s lumbering industry.
On Thursday morning, community leaders, youth, and women gathered at the riverbank with signs demanding road repairs and local job creation. Chief Godwin Matthew, a spokesperson for the Unyenge villages, stated that Savannah Energy Nigeria Limited has failed to fulfill promises made over the last 17 years. According to Matthew, the company has ignored repeated requests regarding the lack of hospitals, clean water, and access roads.
Youth leader Joseph Timothy and women’s representative Nkoyo Etim added that companies like Savannah Energy, Tulcan Energy Resources, Shimao, and Jeosco have marginalized the population. They pointed to health issues linked to oil pollution and gas flaring as additional burdens. The community has vowed to occupy the site until their demands are acknowledged.
Attempts to obtain comments from Savannah Energy’s community manager, Arit Bassey, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to multiple phone calls or digital messages.
