Tension has escalated in Assa community, located in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, following a renewed attack on oil facilities by suspected hoodlums who destroyed heavy equipment belonging to Sterling Global Oil Company.
Reports indicate that the assailants set fire to bulldozers, excavators and other earth-moving machines stationed at the company’s operational site. The attackers, believed to have emerged from surrounding bushes, reportedly carried out the operation unchallenged.
Community sources say this is the third major attack on Sterling Global’s facilities. The first incident occurred in 2023, followed by another on December 17, 2025. In both previous cases, significant equipment was destroyed.
The latest attack, said to have taken place between February 25 and 26, 2026, has reportedly left the company with losses running into millions of naira. The perpetrators, who allegedly describe themselves as “army generals,” are said to have threatened continued disruption of oil operations in the area unless they are granted certain benefits.
Other oil firms operating in the region, including Shell Petroleum Development Company, are also reported to have faced threats and similar security challenges. Some companies have reportedly adopted shelter-in-place measures, while others have temporarily suspended operations amid growing concerns over safety.
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Following the destruction of Sterling Global’s equipment, the attackers allegedly moved into Assa community seeking local leaders, accusing them of denying them access to benefits from oil companies operating in the area. The situation reportedly sparked panic, forcing several community leaders into hiding. Witnesses also claimed that CCTV cameras at the Assa market were vandalized in broad daylight.
The attacks have disrupted ongoing road rehabilitation projects and high-tension electricity installations, as contractors have halted work due to the deteriorating security situation.
Confirming the incident, the traditional ruler of Assa, Emmanuel Asor, condemned the attacks and described the perpetrators as faceless individuals. He urged them to abandon violence and engage oil companies in dialogue rather than destroying infrastructure.
Asor also dismissed claims that the arrest of a youth president in Assa triggered the violence.
However, a source from a neighboring community alleged that a youth leader from Assa has been detained for some time following a complaint by one of the oil firms, prompting some youths to protest by destroying equipment.
The traditional ruler refuted this claim, insisting that no youth from Assa is currently in detention and attributing the attacks to individuals from a neighboring community allegedly demanding employment opportunities.
Residents have called on security agencies to intervene swiftly to restore order and safeguard economic activities in the area.
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