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‎The Bayelsa government has directed the operator of Oil Mining Lease 29 (OML 29) to suspend all land acquisition activities in the Brass council area. The directive followed a violent land dispute that claimed a life. OML 29 is operated by Nembe Exploration and Production.
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‎The company was formerly known as Aiteo Exploration and Production Company. The oil firm acquired the oil block following Shell’s divestment in 2014, according to a statement by information commissioner Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, on Tuesday in Yenagoa.
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‎She, however, said the police restored peace in the affected area. According to her, the dispute involved Dieama and Okpoama communities and resulted in several people sustaining severe injuries.
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‎The commissioner said Governor Douye Diri directed the oil firm to stop all land acquisition activities and processes until further notice.
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‎She added that the governor also urged the communities, particularly their youths, to maintain peace and avoid actions that could escalate the dispute.
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‎The commissioner said the government restated its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the crisis, while appealing to all parties to cooperate in efforts to restore lasting peace in the affected communities.