Oil workers at the Qua Iboe crude export terminal operated by Mobil Producing Nigeria have expressed concern for their safety following last week’s attack on the facility.

In separate interviews with newsmen, the workers appealed to the security agencies to beef up security to ensure uninterrupted oil production.

“The place of oil in our economy is central and the Federal Government should use its might to protect its investment in the sector.

“This is because once there is any disruption, it will be difficult for the government to meet its revenue target from the oil sector,” Peter Oduok, an engineer at the terminal, said.

The attack, according to a statement from the firm, led to the abduction of a worker and left a security man injured.

The Tide correspndent reports that security has been tightened around Mobil oil blocs in the Atlantic Ocean after the attack by unidentified gunmen.

It was gathered  that the offshore unit of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has scheduled a meeting to discuss the safety of the workforce at the oil field.

Its Chairman, Mr Jude Nwaogu, told newsmen on Monday that although the abducted person was not a member of the association, the union was concerned about the safety of its members.

“The development is of concern to us because security is all embracing and we are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that our people out there are not endangered.

“Our offshore unit is meeting to review the situation and assure our members that there is adequate security,” Nwaogu said.

Sources at the oil fields said the gunmen shot and wounded a naval officer on board MV Igbere, which was supplying diesel to Idoho oil production platform, about 18km from Ibeno shoreline.

The incident did not disrupt production at the 900,000 barrels per day export facility.