Host communities in the Samabri/Biseni Cluster specifically Osekwuenike, Osifo, and Abuetor in Bayelsa’s Sagbama Local Government Area, voiced concerns over what they describe as false co-host claims by the Asamabiri Community regarding the cluster.
In a joint statement issued Saturday, signed by President General Anthony Okorie (Osekwuenike), Comrade Benjamin Aghoghovia (Osifo), and Comrade Bartholomew Uti (Abuetor), along with other stakeholders, the communities expressed surprise at Asamabiri’s assertions.
They emphasized that the communities share a natural boundary, the Ogborogbo Canal, which has been mutually acknowledged for years.
The statement followed an October 2 protest by the Asamabiri Community on land within the cluster, where an oil firm operates.
Asamabiri asserted “co-host” status and cited “22 years of neglect” as the reason for their protest.
Leaders of the host communities warned that if left unaddressed, this issue could risk escalating into an inter-communal crisis, which they are eager to avoid.
The host communities urged the Bayelsa State Government, corporate entities, and the public to dismiss Asamabiri’s claims and recognize their historical rights.
Asamabiri Community, meanwhile, has protested alleged decades of neglect by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) facility in Sagbama.
Claiming co-host status to the facility, they appealed to federal and state authorities for intervention, citing 22 years of denied benefits and amenities.
During the protest, Paramount Ruler Chief Joseph Odoni stated that despite efforts to resolve the issue, they have faced continued marginalization in favor of other communities.
The Asamabiri leadership called on the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Ijaw National Congress, and the Ijaw Youth Council to address the long-standing grievances, describing the company’s treatment as unjust and detrimental to their community’s welfare.
