Bayelsa suspends oil firm’s land acquisition over fatal community dispute

Bayelsa government has directed the operator of  Oil Mining Lease 29 (OML 29) to suspend all land acquisition activities in the Brass council area. The directive followed a violent land dispute that claimed a life. 

OML 29 is operated by Nembe Exploration and Production. The company was formerly known as Aiteo Exploration and Production Company. The oil firm acquired the oil block following Shell’s divestment in 2014, according to a statement by information commissioner Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, on Tuesday in Yenagoa.

She, however, said the police restored peace in the affected area. According to her, the dispute involved Dieama and Okpoama communities and resulted in several people sustaining severe injuries. The commissioner said Governor Douye Diri directed the oil firm to stop all land acquisition activities and processes until further notice.

She added that the governor also urged the communities, particularly their youths, to maintain peace and avoid actions that could escalate the dispute. The commissioner said the government restated its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the crisis, while appealing to all parties to cooperate in efforts to restore lasting peace in the affected communities.

(NAN)