On 15 July 1999, "irate youths" from the Isoko ethnic group reportedly took 64 workers of Royal/Dutch shell company hostage (Africa Research Bulletin July 1999, 13628; Accord 1999; Panafrican News 27 July 1999). The hostages reportedly included expatriates and 57 Nigerian workers who were held at Ozoro and Ovrode communities in Isokoland, southwestern Delta State (ibid.). The "irate youths" also "seized Shell's drilling rig-1A and blocked all roads to the rig campsite with over 20 barricades. The youths also shut down electricity supply to the campsite and seized buses and cars used by the oil workers" (ibid.). They were reportedly protesting against the Nigerian government's virtual neglect of the area from which it draws 90 per cent of its export revenue (ibid.).

The matter was reported to the Delta state governor who arranged a meeting with officials of the oil company aimed at finding ways to appease the youths (ibid.).

Notwithstanding a "Niger Delta Development" bill tabled before the national assembly for approval, the youths reportedly turned down "all appeals" to refrain from acts of violence (ibid.).

A 17 July 1999 Reuters report corroborates the above information and adds that the disturbance disrupted oil production and reduced it by 250,000 barrels per day. Consequently, "cargoes were delayed by at least a week and schedules had to be reduced" (ibid.).

No mention of arrests, charges and or individuals being released in connection with this incident could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However a 19 June 2000 Vanguard report states that "Shell Petroleum Development Company has been advised to withdraw its suit against the youths of Isoko and Ozoro community from Benin high Court," ostensibly in the "interest of justice, peace and good neighbourliness; for peace to prevail." It is not clear whether the suit is related to the 15 July 1999 incident.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please see the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Accord. 1999. "Conflict Watch." http://www.accord.org.za/accnet/west/nigeria99.htm [Accessed: 1 Dec. 2000]

Africa Research Bulletin: Social, Political and Cultural Series [Oxford]. July 1999. Vol. 36. No. 7. "Shell Workers Hostage."

Panafrican News Agency. 27 July 1999. Goddy Ikeh. "Irate Youths Take 64 Shell Workers Hostage." http://www.tao.ca/~denny/899nigeriahostages.htm Accessed: 1 Dec. 2000)

Reuters. 27 July 1999. "Oil Prices Slip as Dealers Pocket Profits; Opec to Maintain Supply Curbs." (NEXIS)

Vanguard. 19 June 2000. Tunde Oso. "Youths Ask Shell to Withdraw Suit Against Ozoro Community." http://www.vanguardngr.com/wk40600/nd219060.htm [Accessed: 1 Dec. 2000]

Africa Confidential.

Amnesty International Report 1999-2000.

Country Reports for 1999. 2000.

IRB Databases.

Keesing's Record of World Events.

Resource Centre. Country File. Nigeria.

Three oral sources consulted did not provide the information requested.

Search Engines including:

Google

Mamma

Metacrawler

Internet sites including,

Africa News.

Post Express Wired.

Vanguard