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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Tension is currently brewing in Assa community in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, as some hoodlums launched a fresh coordinated attack on oil company facilities, razing heavy-duty equipment belonging to Sterling Global Oil Company.
Reports revealed that the attackers set ablaze bulldozers, excavators, and other earth-moving machinery stationed at the company’s operational site. The assailants, said to be operating from bushes surrounding the community, reportedly carried out the destruction without resistance.
Community sources revealed that this latest incident marks the third time Sterling Global has suffered massive losses in similar circumstances. The first attack occurred in 2023, followed by another on December 17, 2025. In each case, no equipment was spared.
The most recent assault, according to a source from the community, reportedly took place between February 25 and 26, 2026, leaving the company counting millions of naira in losses. The perpetrators, who allegedly refer to themselves as “army generals,” are said to have vowed to continue crippling oil operations in the area, except they enjoy some benefits from them.
Sterling Global is not the only company impacted. According to the report, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and other oil firms operating in the region are said to have reportedly experienced similar threats and attacks.
Some companies are said to have adopted “shelter-in-place” measures, while others temporarily shut down operations to monitor the volatile security situation.
After destroying Sterling Global’s equipment, the hoodlums reportedly stormed Assa community in search of local leaders, accusing them of blocking their access to benefits from oil companies operating in the area.
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The development caused panic, forcing several community leaders into hiding. Witnesses said the attackers destroyed CCTV cameras installed at the Assa market in broad daylight.
The action of the hoodlums have stalled road rehabilitation projects and high-tension electricity installations within the community, as contractors suspend work, pending improvement in security conditions.
Confirming the incident, traditional ruler of the community, Eze Emmanuel Asor, who described the hoodlums as faceless, urged them to come out of their hiding and negotiate with the oil companies rather than destroying their facilities.
Asor has also denied arrest of any youth president of Asaa as another reason for the attacks.
A source from the neighbouring community alleged a youth leader from Asas has been in detention for quite some time, following a complaint made by one of the oil firms prompting some youths to protest and raze down their equipment.
“Our youths are not restive; the act was committed by hoodlums from our neighbouring community who are demanding employment. How can you be demanding employment from the oil companies and you’re hiding inside the bush? They’re faceless! Why not come out to negotiate, instead of destroying properties belonging to the oil companies? No youth is in detention from Asaa”.
Residents are now calling on security agencies to urgently intervene, to restore order and prevent further disruption to economic activities in the area.
