The Delta State Police Command has intervened in the dispute between Sterling Global Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and the Umuseti Ogbe Community in Kwale, urging both parties to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The meeting, convened on Wednesday by the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, followed a notice of protest reportedly issued by the community against the oil company.
The strategic stakeholders’ engagement, held in Kwale, was aimed at addressing grievances raised by the community and ensuring the maintenance of peace and public order in the area.
The police commissioner was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the Area Commander of Ozoro, the Divisional Police Officer of Ozoro Division, and Major Emmanuel Omo-Africa, the military officer overseeing SEEPCO security operations.
The Umuseti Ogbe Community delegation was led by the Okpara-Ukwu, Sunday Ebo Ogwe, represented by the community’s Prime Minister, Chief Okwa Akwaligbe. High Chief Pedro Akpe also spoke on behalf of the community, outlining concerns and grievances affecting the people.
Representing SEEPCO was Col. Karmveer Singh, the company’s General Manager for Community and Security, who assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to peaceful engagement and mutual understanding with host communities.
Speaking during the meeting, CP Oyeniyi stressed that while national security remains critical, peace and stability within host communities are equally important. He urged both parties to seek common ground through dialogue and understanding.
According to him, the meeting was not intended to apportion blame but to provide an avenue for both sides to express their concerns in pursuit of a lasting resolution.
He assured that the Delta State Police Command would continue to work towards sustaining peace, security and harmonious coexistence between SEEPCO and the host community.
Following the meeting, the police commissioner, alongside representatives of the police command, SEEPCO and the community, embarked on an inspection tour of the Umuseti Road in Kwale to assess some of the issues raised during the discussions.
Both SEEPCO and the Umuseti Ogbe Community commended the intervention of the police command and expressed readiness to continue dialogue towards an amicable resolution of the dispute.
