Tensions are rising in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, as host communities of the Samabri/Biseni Cluster Location – Osekwuenike, Osifo, and Abuetor – dispute claims by the Asamabiri Community of co-host status to the cluster location.
The communities of Osekwuenike, Osifo, and Abuetor have long shared peaceful relations and inter-marital ties with Asamabiri, and are bewildered by the latter’s sudden assertion.
A statement signed by the three Presidents General of the host communities clarified that the natural boundary between them and Asamabiri, the Ogborogbo Canal, has never been disputed. However, on October 2, 2024, Asamabiri protesters claimed co-host status, citing 22 years of neglect by the oil firm operating in the area. This move has sparked concerns of potential inter-communal crisis.
Key Issues:
- Disputed Co-Host Status: Asamabiri’s claim of co-host status to the Samabri/Biseni Cluster Location is contested by Osekwuenike, Osifo, and Abuetor.
- 22 Years of Neglect: Asamabiri protesters allege decades of neglect by the oil firm, demanding recognition of their rights.Potential Crisis: Host communities fear Asamabiri’s actions may lead to inter-communal conflict.
Calls to Action:
The host communities urge the Bayelsa State Government, corporate entities, and the public to disregard Asamabiri’s claims and recognize their historical rights. Asamabiri’s leadership has also appealed to the federal and state governments, and organizations like the Ijaw National Congress, to address the alleged injustice.
This dispute highlights the complex issues surrounding oil exploration and community relations in Bayelsa State. Effective resolution requires careful consideration of the competing interests and historical context.
Source: The Nation
