Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has ordered a stop to efforts by an oil company to acquire a parcel of land in the Brass Local Government Area of the state following an inter-communal clash that claimed a life.
Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, said in a statement on Tuesday that the state government will ensure a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
BusinessDay gathered that neighbouring Dieama and Okpoama communities both laid claim to the parcel of land which was to be acquired by Aiteo, which operates OML 29.
Following the clash, the police mobilised to the area to restore peace, and the government urged restraint among both communities until the issue is amicably resolved.
The government statement read: ‘The attention of the Bayelsa State Government has been drawn to a violent dispute over the ownership of a parcel of land between Dieama and Okpoama Communities, leading to a breach of peace in Brass Local Government Area of the State.
‘While the Nigerian Police has restored peace, it is regrettable that the crisis had already claimed one life, with several persons severely injured.
‘Consequently, His Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has directed that:
‘AITEO Exploration and Production Company should stop any land acquisition activities and processes till further notice.
‘All parties/communities, particularly Dieama and Okpoama communities that are directly involved in this conflict, especially youths of both communities, to maintain the peace.
‘Government wishes to assure all parties of its resolve to bring about a peaceful resolution to the unfortunate dispute.’