…threaten “mother-of-all protests” on waterways if demands aren’t met

By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BOMADI — The Delta/Bayelsa Riverine Farmers and Fishermen Association (DEBARIFFA) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), demanding compensation for alleged destruction of fishing nets, canoes, farmlands, and the riverine ecosystem. The group warned that failure to comply would trigger a massive protest across the waterways.

SEEPCO operates crude oil lifting barges that load at the Kwale Gas and Oil Field in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State. Investigations by Niger Delta Voice show that these barges travel through the River Niger and River Forcados via the Ramos Creek and its tributaries before transferring crude to larger vessels at the Agge shoreline in Bayelsa State.

Although SEEPCO could not be reached for comments, DEBARIFFA accused the company of causing widespread environmental degradation and destroying fishing equipment in multiple communities along the waterways.

In a communiqué emailed to Vanguard and signed by its president, Mr. Oweilaemi John, and secretary, Mrs. Ebimoboere Jessica Alfred, the association accused SEEPCO of ignoring complaints and called for urgent redress.

“We, the members of DEBARIFFA, once again raise our voices against the ongoing operations of SEEPCO, which continue to adversely impact the livelihoods of fishermen and farmers,” the statement read.

“Environmental degradation, destruction of fishing grounds, loss of agricultural productivity, and socio-economic hardship have become our daily reality.”

The group further alleged that SEEPCO’s crude-laden barges operate round-the-clock instead of adhering to a 12-hour schedule, worsening pollution and damage along the River Forcados and Ramos Creek.

DEBARIFFA stated that despite multiple efforts — including meetings with traditional rulers, engagements with SEEPCO officials, reports to government agencies, and public awareness campaigns — their grievances remain unresolved.

Call for Senate Intervention

With frustrations mounting, the association appealed to the Nigerian Senate to intensify its oversight of SEEPCO’s activities. They urged the Senate Committee on Local Content, chaired by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, to investigate the company’s operations, alleged infractions, and their impact on vulnerable riverine communities.

“Our means of subsistence have been obliterated by SEEPCO’s relentless operations, both day and night,” the group said. “We have reached the limits of our endurance.”

Protest Looms

DEBARIFFA vowed to mobilize thousands of fishermen and farmers for what it called the “mother-of-all protests” if SEEPCO fails to respond within 14 days.

“We shall proceed to predetermined locations along the river in our canoes to stage the mother-of-all protests in the creeks of the Niger Delta,” the communiqué concluded.