In a bid to address persistent tensions between oil companies and their host communities, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, Baba Azare, has called for open dialogue to resolve conflicts and prevent violent disruptions.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the command headquarters in Uyo on Monday, Azare emphasized the need for regular engagement between oil companies and youth groups to foster peaceful coexistence.
Azare expressed concern over reports of youths taking drastic actions, including blocking roads and staging protests against oil companies over unresolved disputes. He urged both parties to establish structured engagement channels to prevent unnecessary confrontations.
“We have been receiving reports of youths taking the law into their own hands due to various disputes with companies operating in their areas. Sometimes, they barricade roads leading to these companies. As a command, we felt it necessary to bring both parties together to discuss these issues and discourage acts of lawlessness.
“We also urge companies to listen to community concerns, as many of these conflicts arise from communication gaps between youths and corporate management. By bridging this gap, we can ensure lasting peace and security in the state.
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“Moving forward, you must establish structured engagement channels with youths. Our police officers across the state are available to assist whenever necessary. Any issues should be reported promptly to the police, as delays often worsen the situation,” Azare stated.
During a separate meeting with youth representatives, the Commissioner of Police warned against disruptive protests and illegal roadblocks, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated.
“Recently, we have received multiple reports of youths blocking roads and engaging in disruptive protests across the state. Such actions violate the law and will not be condoned.
“If there are issues within your communities, report them to your Divisional Police Officers for proper dialogue and resolution,” he cautioned.
Azare reassured the communities that the police would continue to protect critical energy infrastructure, urging youths to channel grievances through lawful means rather than resorting to violence.
Speaking on behalf of the oil firms, Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited’s Security Manager, Justin Obo, attributed some of the tensions to a lack of awareness about the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) among community members. He pointed out that community leaders had not done enough to educate youths on the benefits and provisions of the PIA, which mandates oil firms to allocate three per cent of their operating costs to host communities.
“The Petroleum Industry Act has shifted much of the Corporate Social Responsibility burden from oil companies to host communities. Unfortunately, many youths are not aware of how it works.
“We encourage them to study the law and engage constructively with community leaders rather than protesting. The police commissioner’s intervention is timely, and we are committed to improving communication with our host communities,” Obo said.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from both oil companies and community leaders to work together in resolving conflicts peacefully. The police command pledged to continue playing a mediatory role, ensuring that Akwa Ibom remains a stable and secure environment for investment and development.