Itsekiri, Urhobo Women, Youths Clash Over Seplat Operations in Delta
By Naija Enquirer Staff
Women of two rival communities in Delta State have been drawn into a renewed conflict over the operations of
While the oil firm has consistently maintained that it is committed to Nigeria’s economic and social development, women and youths from Abigborodo Community in Warri North Local Government Area are expressing dissatisfaction with what they describe as prolonged exclusion from the benefits of Seplat’s activities.
Seplat Energy has repeatedly stated that its local content policy is designed to create shared value, stimulate local employment and strengthen its local supply chain through collaboration with host communities. The company says its approach seeks to enhance economic growth while reducing operational risks.
However, women of Abigborodo Community, alongside youths and elders, have staged protests accusing the oil firm of sidelining them from employment and community development opportunities, despite years of operations on land they claim belongs to them.
The protesters have threatened to shut down Seplat’s operations in the area if their grievances are not addressed. They gathered near the company’s operational corridor, alleging that Abigborodo has not been recognised as a host community.
According to the Woman Leader of Abigborodo Community, Mrs. Patience Ologho, the protest is part of a long-standing struggle for inclusion.
“Our demands have been presented several times to Seplat and to the authorities, but there has been no response,” she said. “For over five years now, no single person from Abigborodo has benefited from Seplat’s operations.
“We want peace and a fair settlement because land in dispute cannot be enjoyed by only one community. If nothing is done, we will be left with no option but to stop Seplat from working on our land.”
Also speaking, the Abigborodo Women Secretary, Mrs. Felicia Koma, said previous protests had yielded promises that were never fulfilled.
“We are peace-loving people, but we are ready to shut down their operations until Seplat Energy answers us,” she stated.
Another indigene, Miss Gladys Oyibodudun Ajemijereoma, said the community’s demand was straightforward — recognition as a host community and employment for its people.
Meanwhile, a counter-protest erupted in Oton Community, Sapele Local Government Area, where demonstrators insisted that the land where Seplat operates belongs to them.
Placards bearing inscriptions such as “Here nor be Warri North” were displayed as Oton women accused Abigborodo residents of obstructing their access to farmlands and job opportunities allegedly provided by Seplat.
One of the protesters, Mrs. Rita Unyiadibute, called on the Delta State Government to urgently intervene in what she described as a long-standing land dispute between the two neighbouring riverine communities.
She warned that continued tension could disrupt farming and economic activities in the area.
Abigborodo and Oton communities are located within Delta’s oil-producing belt, a region historically prone to boundary disputes that have intensified with the arrival of extractive activities and associated economic benefits.
While Abigborodo, a predominantly Itsekiri-speaking community in Warri North, depends largely on fishing and farming, Oton Community in Sapele is mainly Urhobo/Okpe-speaking, with similar livelihoods and deep ancestral ties to the land.
Although Seplat Energy is yet to issue an official response to the allegations from either community, stakeholders continue to call for dialogue and government intervention to prevent disruption of oil operations and ensure lasting peace.
Seplat Energy, Nigeria’s leading independent energy provider listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, says it remains committed to responsible operations, environmental protection and sustainable development across its host communities.
