Deceased Fisherman’s Family Accuses NLNG of Negligence, Suffers Harassment During Protest

Following the tragic boat mishap on January 20, 2024, which claimed the life of Precious Imabibo during a fishing expedition, his bereaved family says it is still awaiting compensation from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG).

Kristina Reports learned on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, from Blessing Imabibo, the deceased’s mother, who spoke in her Wakirike dialect, that despite their relentless efforts, the issue remains unresolved.

“Since January, we don dey waka for the case, no be only us con dey involved. We meet DSS, Area Command, Commissioner of police, and even the Marine Officers, we even meet with NGO,” Blessing shared, emphasizing the numerous attempts made to seek justice.  

She further recounted that during their first protest on January 26, 2024, they encountered hostility as NLNG refused to cooperate.

“For over seven months, NLNG no even con see us wey lose our pikin. Now, we meet CP day before yesterday, discuss with am finish, yesterday evening nai the protest start.”

“People sleep for their gate with their gas till this afternoon, before we go know, them don pour tear gas, dey shoot everywhere,” Blessing recounted the chaotic scene.”

Blessing also revealed that she sustained an injury from the tear gas used by security forces.

“See my hand, the tear gas container knack my hand and I’m asthmatic. Immediately naim the the thing hook me. If not for inhaler wey I carry, na so I for go.”

Also speaking with Kristina Reports, Ipalibo Beals, the stepfather of the deceased, added that he almost lost his wife during the protest due to the tear gas attack.

“I actually called her, say if anything come out, and in case they go ask, dem go see her. As they pour the tear gas, I rush grab her. Thank God for her inhaler. I don loose my pikin, I for still loose my wife.”

The grieving couple continues to lament NLNG’s failure to visit them since the incident and their refusal to provide compensation.

Reacting to the protest and complaints of the deceased fisherman’s family, the NLNG through its General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh said it was engaging with relevant stakeholders with a view to arriving at an amicable resolution of the issue under review.

It was not clear as at the time of this report if the late fisherman’s family was among the stakeholders the company said it was enagaging with given the lamentation of the bereaved mother.