By Emma Arubi & Dapo Akinrefon
WARRI—The LEADERS of Oyagbene and Labulouseigha communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, have denied issuing any ultimatum to AGIP Oil Company working on the Grangbene Deep “A” project.

The leaders also said that no death had been recorded in the course of executing the project so far, adding that the project which is about clearing and land preparation is going on smoothly and it was only the accredited representatives of both communities that can comment on the progress of job on the site.

NATIONAL President, Ijaw People Congress, IPC, Mr Ekanpou Enewaridideke, in a statement, yesterday, said, “Oyangbene and Labulouseigha communities are too enlightened to embark on impulsive expulsion move against AGIP, which has not offended them. Any alarmist publication in this direction by any group or person should be ignored because such alarmist publications are a trillion kilometres away from the reality on ground.”

According to him, “the relationship between the company and the host communities is cordial and we commend AGIP for maintaining functionally cordial and progressive working relationship with the communities.”

Oyangbene and Labulouseigha communities, which are for now the only accredited host communities in the Grangbene deep “A” project in Burutu, Delta state.”

He explained that the oil company is currently working in the communities, adding “the Grangbene deep “A” project has to do with clearing and land preparation for exploratory drilling of oil. The project is in progress and Oyangbene and Labulouseigha are the host communities to this project.”