US embassy cable - 05LAGOS171

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 000171 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AF/W 
STATE FOR CA/OCS/FROBINSON 
STATE FOR EB/ESC/IEC/ENR/BLEVINE 
STATE FOR DS/IP/AF 
STAT FOR INR/AA 
STATE PASS DOE FOR DAS JBRODMAN AND CGAY 
STATE PASS TREASURY FOR ASEVERENS AND SRENENDER 
STATE PASS DOC FOR PHUPER 
STATE PASS TRANSPORTATION FOR MARAD 
STATE PASS OPIC FOR CDUFFY 
STATE PASS TDA FOR BTERNET 
STATE PASS EXIM FOR JRICHTER 
STATE PASS USTR FOR ASST USTR SLISER 
STATE PASS USAID FOR GWEYNAND AND SLAWAETZ 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/2009 
TAGS: EPET, EINV, CASC, PGOV, ASEC, MOPS, NI 
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY STORMS CHEVRON ESCRAVOS FACILITY 
 
REF: ABUJA 167 
 
Classified By: Classified By: Acting Consul General Ronald Kramer for R 
easons 1.4 (D & E) 
 
Summary 
------- 
 
1.  (C)  Chevron Texaco (CT) confirmed the storming and 
occupation of its Escravos facility by Itsekiri villagers 
from the Okurogo community, for several hours on 4 February. 
GON security forces re-gained control of the facility by late 
in the day.  No AMCITs or third country nationals were 
injured or killed in the incident.  Post's security contacts 
stated one community member was killed by friendly fire, and 
that between one and thirteen were wounded.  Press is 
reporting up to four deaths.  Both local CT local guards and 
GON security forces were injured in the attack.  However, CT 
is not officially confirming any reports of the number of 
dead or injured.  Production was not impacted. 
 
CT Facility Stormed; Deaths Possible but Unconfirmed 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
 
2.  (C)  For the third time in as many years, Chevron Texaco 
confirmed the storming of its Escravos facility at 
approximately 0500 hours on 4 February.  Government and 
Public Affairs General Manager Director Odumabo noted that 
approximately 500 Itsekiri villagers from Okurogo, CT's host 
community, cut the perimeter fence at the Escravos facility 
in multiple locations and entered the compound.  (Note: CT 
contacts have given varying reports, between five and eight, 
as to the number of locations in which the fence was cut. 
Regardless, the large number of breaches would appear to 
indicate a well-organized attack.)  They occupied the 
compound for several hours, but GON security forces re-gained 
control of the facility by late in the day.  No AMCITs or 
third country nationals were injured or killed in the 
incident.  CT security contacts stated to RSO that one 
community member was killed by friendly fire, and that 
between one and thirteen were wounded.  However, CT 
management is not officially confirming any reports of the 
number of dead or injured.  Security contacts also indicated 
that CT security had been aware of an increased threat, and 
accordingly had reinforced security. 
 
Local Guards and GON Security Forces Injured 
--------------------------------------------- 
 
3.  (C)  Chevron Texaco Health Safety and Environment Manager 
Cheryl Robnett reported that during the invasion, community 
members attacked both local guards and GON security force 
members.  A Nigerian guard employed by CT and one member of 
the GON security forces were injured and unable to continue 
to carry out their duties.  Several other local guards and 
security force members required first aid care.  (Note: In 
line with Nigerian law, guards employed by CT are unarmed; 
GON security forces provided by the GON (but paid by CT) to 
protect the Escravos facility typically carry AK-47s.  CT 
does not have an agreement with the GON on specific rules of 
engagement for troops operating within their facilities. 
Instead, the troops operate according to rules laid out by 
the GON.  End note.) 
 
Situation Remains Tense; Security High 
--------------------------------------- 
 
4.  (C)  Odumabo told energyoff that CT remains extremely 
watchful.  Security contacts indicated that navy gunboats are 
patrolling the river around the facility, and the GON is 
organizing additional forces to be brought in from Warri. 
Several CT contacts reported the situation remained tense, as 
community members continue to circulate freely immediately 
outside the Escravos perimeter.  At least several dozen 
villagers continue living within about 100 feet of the 
facility.  (Note: To take advantage of potential business 
transactions with CT employees, villagers maintain a 
shantytown with numerous dwellings, stores, and bars almost 
immediately adjacent to the Escravos perimeter fence.  CT has 
been unsuccessful at persuading the community to move these 
buildings. End note.) 
 
CT Was Re-Negotiating MOU 
--------------------------- 
 
5.  (C)  Robnett noted that CT was in the process of 
re-negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the 
Okurogo community when the invasion occurred. 
 
Comment 
-------- 
 
6.  (C)  CT continues to experience significant difficulties 
in its community relations in the Delta region.  At the same 
time the Escravos invasion was occurring, Chevron was 
attempting to quell a disturbance at its facilities in Onne 
in Rivers State and seeking to extricate itself from its MOU 
in Warri.  (Note: Production in Warri, representing a third 
of CT's capacity, has been shut down for over one year, but 
the MOU with the community is still in effect. End Note.) 
Nevertheless, CT believes it can continue to operate in the 
Delta region for some time.  Septel will report further on 
CT's overall assessment of the Delta environment.  End 
Comment. 
KRAMER