Abigborodo, Obotie Communities Protest Against Seplat Over Hostcom Status

Residents of the Abigborodo community in Warri North and the Obotie community in Sapele, Delta State, on Friday protested against Seplat Energy PLC, accusing the company of failing to recognize them as host communities in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The protests saw demonstrators carrying placards with messages such as “Not Until You Recognize Us, No Work” and “Stop Oppressing Us, Seplat.” The protesters made up of men, women, and youths, vowed to continue their action in the creeks of Warri North and Sapele until their demands are met.

The communities are calling on Seplat to formally acknowledge them as host communities, as stipulated under the PIA. They are also demanding that the company halt its operations in the area until their concerns are addressed.

Speaking to Warri Sentinel, Samuel Atiwe, Chairman of the Obotie Community Trust, said Seplat had failed to consult with local leaders or recognize the communities in accordance with the PIA. He stated that the law requires any community within five kilometers of an operational project to be recognised as a host community.

“Seplat has not done this, and that’s why we are saying no to whatever they are doing here,” Atiwe said.

Chairman of the Abigborodo community, Eyuro Ukubeyinje, also criticised Seplat for ignoring the findings of a government-led investigation, which included officials from the Ministries of Environment and Oil and Gas. Despite this, Seplat has continued to mobilize equipment to the area, which the communities say is an infringement of their rights.

Another community stakeholder, Godwin Fenimigho from Obotie, disclosed that Seplat is clearing land for a new well and plans to dredge the area before drilling. “Once they start drilling, they will pollute the water, which is the main source of livelihood for the people,” he said, accusing the oil company of not putting in place measures to mitigate the impact on the community.

On his part, Youth President of the Abigborodo community, Kpenosen Great, warned that the marginalization of local communities by Seplat would no longer be tolerated. He confirmed that operations had been shut down at the proposed drilling site in protest of Seplat’s failure to accommodate both communities as required by the PIA. According to Kpenosen, several letters has been sent to Seplat requesting a roundtable discussion, but all have gone unanswered.

The protesters have called on both the Delta State Government and the Federal Government to intervene in the dispute, accusing Seplat of flouting the law and ignoring the demand of the local communities.

Seplat Energy has yet to respond to the allegations.