Bayelsa govt orders security reinforcement in 2 communities amid land dispute

The Bayelsa State Government has directed the Police and other security agencies to strengthen security around Letugbene and Ogbotubo communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area due to renewed clashes over a disputed land where Renaissance Africa Energy Company, formerly Shell, has sited a project.

The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo issued the directive during a meeting with community leaders and senior government officials on Saturday in Yenagoa.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo urged both communities to maintain their long-standing cordial relationship and avoid allowing oil firms to instigate divisions that could lead to intra or inter-communal crises.

Ewhrudjakpo warned that government would hold community leaders, including CDC chairmen and youth presidents, responsible in the event of further violence in the disputed area.

He also announced the creation of an 11-member committee to resolve the boundary dispute and directed both communities to submit claims, court judgments and agreements without delay.

The Letugbene/Ogbotubo Boundary Dispute Resolution Committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr Perepuighe Biewari, has one month to complete its assignment.

Other members include the Secretary to the State Boundary Committee, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Bayelsa West, Chief Michael Magbisa, Ekeremor LGA Chairman Onniye Isaac, and State Surveyor General Margaret Geku.