The Abigborodo and Obagboro oil-rich communities in the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, today staged a peaceful protest to affirm their rightful ownership of the Kuri field.
Th demonstration, attended by women and youths, saw the communities assertively expressing their grievances regarding the alleged encroachment on the field by Makaraba and Omadino communities from the Warri South Local Government Area, allegedly with the backing of influential figures in the government.
Hon. Barr Misan Ukubehinje and Mr. Austin Ogbemi, the respective chairmen of Abigborodo and Obagboro communities, spoke to the press, articulating their concerns over what they described as a forceful seizure of their land by imposters and other external groups.
They emphasized their refusal to allow any operations on the field until a dialogue is conducted and government intervention is sought. Additionally, they criticized the oil and gas committee overseeing the ownership dispute, accusing them of making biased decisions without proper authority or consideration for the communities' interests.
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Abigborodo and Obagboro communities protest over Kuri field[/caption]
Ukubehinje asserted, "The decisions of the committee are intolerable, and we demand a thorough investigation. We are prepared to protect our rights through all available means, even in the face of military intervention."
Mr. Austin Ogbemi reiterated that the Kuri field falls within the jurisdiction of Warri North and is rightfully owned by Obagboro and Abigborodo communities. He urged authorities to acknowledge their legitimate claims and prevent any unwarranted interference from neighboring communities.
The protesters urged both state and federal governments to intervene before the situation escalates further, emphasizing their commitment to pursuing a resolution through lawful channels.
Placards carried by the demonstrators bore slogans such as "Kuri Field Belongs to Us," "Respect Our Rights," and "Makaraba and Omadino Have No Claim Here."
Following a brief meeting with some protest leaders, Mr. Augustine Okwazu, representing SHN Energy Limited, assured that the community's demands would be conveyed to management for consideration and response.
Earlier, Abigborodo community addressed an open letter to Governor Oborevwori, highlighting alleged illegal actions by the Delta State Commissioner for Oil & Gas, the Surveyor General of Delta State, and SHN Energy Limited. They called for urgent intervention to prevent a potential crisis in the state.
Abigborodo Community asserted their proprietary rights over the Kuri Field, citing agreements with Shepard Hill Petroleum Development Limited and Nord Oil APS & Energy Limited. They accused SHN Energy Limited of environmental degradation and violating Nigerian laws by failing to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments.
Efforts to reach Vincent Oyibode, Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, for comment on the allegations were unsuccessful, further adding to the tension surrounding the dispute.
As the communities await government response, tensions remain high, underscoring the need for a swift and equitable resolution to the Kuri field ownership dispute.
