Oil exploration: police call for peace in Imo community

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

The Imo state Police Command has called for peace over the trouble between the Sterling Global Oil Exploration and production Company and Obitti Autonomous community in OhajiEgbema LGA, Imo state.

The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma urged the Sterling Global Oil Company and the Community leaders of Obitti to embrace dialogue instead of violence in resolving their issues.

Henry Okoye, the Command’s spokesman stated this in a Press Release of March 12th 2025.

He states: “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has called for a peaceful resolution between Sterling Global Exploration and Production Ltd and Obitti Autonomous Community, urging all parties to embrace dialogue.

He made this appeal during a visit to the company’s facility on March 12, 2025, where he assessed the situation following recent tensions.

While condemning the reported vandalism, he emphasized that the police are committed to ensuring security and maintaining public order.

Following the visit, CP Danjuma convened a peace meeting at the palace of HRH Eze Emma C. N. Odunze, bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives of Sterling Global, traditional and youth leaders of Obitti, and senior police officers such as the Area Commander Ohaji/Egbema and the DPO Ohaji Division.

During discussions, community representatives raised concerns over the company’s operations, particularly regarding pollution.

They requested interventions such as pipe-borne water, employment opportunities for local youths, and improved roads.

In response, the company acknowledged these concerns and expressed willingness to explore collaborative solutions in the interest of peaceful coexistence.

HRH Eze Emma C. N. Odunze reaffirmed that Obitti remains a peaceful community and appealed for patience from the youths of Obitti as dialogue continues.

He encouraged Sterling Global to consider the community’s concerns and work toward a mutually beneficial relationship.

CP Danjuma reassured all parties of the Imo State Police Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order in synergy with other security agencies.

He urged stakeholders to continue discussions in good faith and warned against any actions that could escalate tensions, emphasizing that security forces will take necessary measures to prevent a breakdown of peace.

The Imo State Police Command remains dedicated to fostering a secure environment where businesses and host communities can coexist peacefully through constructive engagement and mutual understanding”, Okoye stated.

Recall that earlier this Month the Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence, Henry Okafor urged the oil companies operating in OhajiEgbema and Oguta to develop the communities where they are doing business.

He also urged them to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the Niger Delta areas as that is the only way peace can be restored.

The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma promised to uphold security in the oil communities.

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