Akwa Ibom Community Protests Oil Companies Over Collapsed Bridge

Residents of the Unyenge community in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, staged a peaceful protest demanding that oil firms operating in the area address longstanding neglect. The protest, led by youth president Joseph Timothy and community chief Godwin Matthew, focuses on the reconstruction of a bridge that collapsed on 15 October 2025 when a heavily laden company truck crossed it. The community says the broken bridge forces residents to use a costly pontoon service and has halted economic activities such as lumbering.

The demonstrators presented an eight‑point agenda that includes rebuilding the bridge, constructing motorable roads, creating permanent employment for locals, improving health and water services, and implementing environmental impact‑assessment recommendations. They specifically called on Savannah Energy Nigeria Limited and its subcontractors Tulcan Energy Resources, Shimao and Jeosco to fulfill their promises. The protestors warned they would occupy the area until their demands are met, emphasizing the lack of a hospital, potable water, and functional market in the community.