UPDATED: Olero Siege: Itsekiri Chevron Hosts Demand Probe of Peace Breach, Evacuation of Ijaws

Leaders of the indigenous Itsekiri communities in Warri North have appealed to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to investigate and address the illegal occupation of the Olero Flow Station operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited.

The community leaders asserted that unauthorized individuals claiming to represent neighbouring Ijaw groups have unlawfully taken over the critical oil facility, threatening the prevailing peace in the area and national security.

In a press briefing held in Warri on June 10, the community representatives asserted that the occupation violates the peace accord signed during a June 8 meeting attended by Governor Oborevwori and leaders from Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo communities.

leaders of Chevron host communities flanked by protesters during the press conference, on Wednesday

Hon. Samson Ogboduwa, secretary of Olero Oil Field Communities, who addressed newsmen on behalf of others leaders, called on the governor to facilitate the immediate evacuation of those they tagged ‘illegal occupants’, stressing that the Olero Flow Station is a vital national asset that must remain under the control of recognized host communities.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Olero Oil Flowstation, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, is legally hosted by seven (7) major indigenous communities namely; Obaghoro, Tebu, Gbokoda, Aja-Amita, Udo, and Jakpa. These seven communities are the legitimate owners, landlords, and rightful hosts of this critical national asset”, they insisted.

The leaders accused external actors, allegedly mobilized through Tantita Security Services speedboats, of orchestrating the occupation, which they say is part of a larger scheme aimed at destabilizing the region and influencing political boundaries.

They condemned the involvement of suspected proxies, who they allege are sabotaging Nigeria’s pipeline infrastructure and national revenue through unlawful land claims and intimidation.

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“The occupation of the Olero Oil Flowstation by persons claiming to represent the Ijaw communities of Egbema and Gbaramatu is, in our view, a violation of the peace accord signed during a meeting held on 8 June 2026 in the presence of the Executive Governor of Delta State. This development raises serious concerns regarding their commitment to the spirit and letter of that agreement.

“Let the records show, and let the world know, that these claimants have no established stake in the Olero Flowstation. Geographically, our seven communities do not share boundaries with them or with any Ijaw community within the immediate vicinity of the Olero Flowstation”.

Furthermore, the community representatives condemned the recent controversial INEC ward delineation proposal, which they view as a politically motivated attempt to disenfranchise indigenous communities and legitimize illegal land grabs.

“This illegal occupation did not occur in isolation. It is directly connected to a deeply controversial proposal concerning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency.

“This delineation exercise is viewed as a politically motivated attempt to gerrymander boundaries, create a false demographic narrative, and disenfranchise the indigenous host communities of Warri North. Furthermore, the current proposal by INEC is alleged to extend beyond its legitimate duties by intervening in polling unit, ward, and constituency delineation matters in ways that affect existing political and geographical arrangements”.

They urged security agencies and INEC to thoroughly investigate the delineation process and ensure compliance with judicial rulings and constitutional provisions.

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The indigenous leaders are demanding that the state and federal government should: “Launch an immediate investigation into the occupation of the Olero Flow Station and identify those responsible for breaching the peace agreement.

“Facilitate the swift and permanent eviction of all illegal occupants from the facility. Protect national infrastructure by refusing to recognize or negotiate with unauthorised claimants.

“Ensure that the INEC delineation exercise adheres strictly to judicial rulings and respects the geographical integrity of the indigenous communities.

“Conduct a comprehensive probe into the involvement of security contractors and officials implicated in the occupation and delineation controversy.

“Investigate the circumstances surrounding the INEC delineation exercise in relation to the Supreme Court judgment on the Warri Federal Constituency.

“Investigate any officials found to have provided misleading advice or information in the delineation process.

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“Ensure that INEC complies fully with the Supreme Court judgment and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They however reaffirmed their commitment to peace and lawful coexistence but emphasize that they will resist any attempts to undermine their land rights or compromise national security.

They call on authorities at all levels to act decisively to restore order and uphold justice in the region.