Kolmani Oil: Community Members Demand Compensation, Good Roads, School

Last week, Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari flagged off Kolmani Field Integrated Development Project, an oil drilling site straddling Bauchi and Gombe State, but residents claim they were not compensated.

Landowners at Maimadi in Alkaleri local council and other affected communities where the oil was discovered, staged a protest at an oil exploration site, according to RFI Hausa.

READ: Days After Flag Off, Bauchi, Gombe Communities Trade Words Over Kolmani Oil Ownership

Alhaji Dauda Mohammed, one of the protesters said they were not compensated. He added that the community has no schools and access to good roads.

“A road to our community is in its miserable condition and nothing has been done,” he said. Corroborating Dauda’s words, Abdulmalik Mohammed Maimadi said they need schools, roads and health centres to be part of the beneficiaries of the discovered resources.

He called on the concerned authorities to compensate the affected community members for the peaceful and inclusive utilisation of the discovered resources.

“They gave their lands without being compensated, and up till now they have not been paid,” said Alhaji Yusuf Garba, chairman of Alkaleri local council.

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Mukhtar Gidado, spokesman to Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State Governor, was not available for comments. He did not respond to calls and a text sent to him had not been responded to as of press time.

READ: Kolmani Oil Field Launching: Should the Common Man of the North Celebrate?

But in his meeting with the traditional leaders of the communities, Governor Bala urged the communities to embrace peace and patience as the state government is working hard to provide developmental projects in the area.

He said the government would build schools and other social amenities for the people of the communities. He also enjoined them to be vigilant against vandals.

Earlier, WikkiTimes had reported how communities were exchanging heated words over the ownership of the oil wells. This was barely a week after it was inaugurated. Although, the incident was predicted by many.