Nigerian Protesters Continue Rebellion

Nigerian protesters continue to besiege oil platforms run by two global oil and gas giants Royal Dutch/Shell Group Cos. and ChevronTexaco Corp., shutting down 90,000 bpd in production from Africa's leading oil exporter.

Hundreds of protesting villagers from Kula community, including women and children, on Sunday invaded two Shell?s oil pumping facilities in the Ekulama oil fields and another belonging to ChevronTexaco, at Robert-Kiri island, demanding to meet top officials of both companies.

A Royal Dutch/Shell spokesman said the protesters are blocking dozens of oil workers on the platforms from leaving. He said representatives have been sent to the villagers for negotiations.

ChevronTexaco has reported the protest to the authorities of Rivers state, in charge of the region, spokesman Deji Haastrup said.
Shell pumps 70,000 barrels daily from the two stations, while ChevronTexaco pumps 20,000 barrels daily from its own station.