Obodo Community Denies Oil Bunkering Allegations, Decries Targeted Smear Campaign
Obodo, Warri South LGA, Delta State – June 10, 2025
Community leaders in Obodo, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have vehemently denied recent reports linking the area to illegal oil bunkering activities. Addressing the press on Tuesday, Obodo leaders described the allegations and images circulating on social media as “false, malicious, and deliberately misleading.”
Spokesperson for the community, Mr. Eyantse Emmanuel, asserted that the reports were part of a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of Obodo. He alleged that certain elements within the Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with individuals from the Gbaramatu Clan under the guise of Tantita Security Services, a surveillance company owned by ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) were behind the smear campaign.
“We want to categorically state that there is no bunkering activity happening around Obodo Community and its environs,” Emmanuel declared.
The press briefing also addressed ongoing land ownership disputes between Obodo and leaders of the Gbaramatu Clan. Community members expressed deep concern over the Navy’s recent statement regarding the discovery of two wooden boats containing 3,600 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. The Navy reportedly listed Obodo, Ugbokoko, Jatumi, and Obofo Oil Fields as implicated areas.
Obodo community leaders firmly dissociated themselves from the incident, labeling their inclusion in the report as “unsubstantiated and misleading.” They called on both federal and state governments to:
- Launch a transparent investigation into the origin of the false reports;
- Sanction individuals or agencies deliberately targeting Obodo;
- Ensure that security operations in the region do not become tools for ethnic intimidation or economic subjugation.
Community representatives reaffirmed their commitment to lawful conduct, environmental protection, and peaceful coexistence with neighboring communities. They warned that continuous attempts to malign Obodo’s image or undermine its territorial rights would be “resisted through all lawful means.”
This latest development follows a related statement released by the community earlier, in which they firmly rejected land ownership claims by Gbaramatu leaders and issued a strong warning against further encroachment.
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