Communities in Opuama Kingdom of Southern Ijaw Local Government Council, Bayelsa, are experiencing an increase in tension as a result of the reported invasion by armed Tantita Security Company agents.
Under the pretext of looking for possible oil thieves, over seven natives of the Opuama kingdom were brutally beaten and hurt.
Opuama Kingdom is home to oil assets run by Shell, Agip, and Chevron. It consists of 14 autonomous villages and 48 fishing settlements in Southern Ijaw.
Comrade Omatebe Foster Kurotimi, the Youth President of the Opuama Kingdom, and Hon. Opumie Collins Trueman, the Technical Assistant to the Bayelsa Governor on General Matters, denounced the attack on the defenseless individuals as heinous, brutal, and a heinous act of misconduct on the part of the security pipeline surveillance company.
They verified that a specific young person was hauled to the waterside and whipped with horse whips and a machete for pouring sand into his boat while signaling the Tantita agents’ speedboat to slow down and prevent his sand-filled canoe from capsizing.
It was stated that the injured were pulled from their homes during the altercation.
While addressing with reporters in Yenagoa, the Youth President of the Opuama I indicated that formal petitions have been filed with the State Police, the DSS Headquarters, and the Zone 16 Command of the Nigerian Police.
“The wickes act by Tantita security operatives led by the Coordinator is a provocative act that could lead to break down of law and order.”
Although Opuama Youths are law-abiding and peaceful, Kurotimi cautioned that the invasion of the villages by Tantita operatives is endangering the tranquility in the area.
He said, “We are law-abiding, and while we desire peace, Tantita need to show professionalism in her hunt for oil thieves. They simply break into neighborhoods, chase after individuals, and beat them with sharp objects.
“I’ve informed the security services and the traditional elders. Tantita needs to become more cautious and professional. Tantita believes that every Opuama situation is unique. Native Americans from a fishing community were gathered up, brought to their houseboat, and subjected to lashing. It’s not professional.
“While we are ready to work with the Federal Government, security agencies and Tantita to tackle cases of oil theft, the Tantita should not continue to oppress our youths to avoid bloody confrontation.”
As the Technical Assistant to the Bayelsa Governor on General Duties, Trueman called on the Federal, State, and security agencies to look into the incident in order to prevent a potential conflict between the Tantita security operatives and the enraged Opuama Youths. He also expressed disappointment over the actions of the Tantita operatives.
Trueman added that the youngsters’ period of militancy and vices is past and that they are now profitably involved, refuting the allegations that Opuama youths were involved in illegal oil bunkering.
“I got a call on Wednesday saying that Tantita security had broken into the neighborhood. Elderly mothers and young people were sobbing as they described the horrific treatment they were receiving at the hands of Tantita agents.
“All right, I also want to warn and demand that the Chief of Defense Staff, the Federal and State Governments, and the NSA bring these Tantita agents to order. These Tantita workers must to be qualified individuals. Additionally, even the security personnel that assist them must to act more professionally.”
In order to prevent the Tantita operatives from inciting a violent conflict between the Tantita security and the Opuama Youths, Trueman urged Governor Douye Diri to step in.
“I have however call on my people to remain calm and expect intervention from the relevant authorities.” He stated.
Tantita Security officials were unavailable for comment, and attempts to reach them by phone were unsuccessful.
Close sources of the Company, however, denied knowing about the purported activity, asserting that Tantita is not the only crude oil pipeline surveillance business in the area.
