Staff of Nigeria’s Port Harcourt, Rivers State-based Ibeto Cement Company Limited were forced out of the company’s premises by security personnel, indicating another closure of the company by the relevant authorities. Already, the personnel manager of the company, Kingsley Kalio, has been taken into police custody. He was arrested last weekend over matters concerning the company.

The company was twice shut in October and December last year on the orders of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a similar manner, with no clear pronouncements on the reasons behind the action. But it was gathered that the recent closure of the cement company was a presidential directive, yet reasons for the alleged order remained unknown as at press time.

However, president of Port Harcourt Aborigines (Wakrike), Darrik Acheseomie, told journalists that the closure of the company might be the handiwork of competitors, whom he alleged wanted to have a monopoly in the business. He described the closure as uncalled for, saying the operations of the company had benefited its host community, Bundu Ama, and its environs in terms of employment.