Alleged oppression of Itsekiri people by Tantita, misleading – Itsekiri Coordinators

Itsekiri Coordinators in Tantita Security Services Limited, say allegations that Tantita Security Services Limited, were oppressing Itsekiri people in the course of their operations, “are unfounded, misleading and do not reflect the true nature and purpose of the Tantita’s operations in our communities.”

The Itsekiri Coordinators in a statement signed by Engr. Samson Uwatse; Ugbodede cluster, Ebisan Fenemigho; Ubagboro cluster, Richard Arubi; Ugborodo cluster, Sunday Omatsuli; Ubeji cluster, Johnson Onire; Aja-Osolo cluster, Richard Dere; Coordinator, Orere, David Hamman; Ugbolaje cluster, Fidelis Ete Lori; Coordinator, Opumami and Obodo cluster, Emmanuel Demeyin; Deghele cluster, Abugewa; Ugbegugun cluster, Ofeoritse Mene; Coordinator, Special squad, Kessington Urunden Ololo; Coordinator, Special squad, Okogho, Otomewo Omereyemi; Coordinator, special squad and Bernard Omaghomi; Coordinator, Kolokolo, asserted: “If there were any truth to the allegations of oppression, we the Itsekiri coordinators would be the first to speak out against such injustices.”

The statement, which was fallout of a meeting held in Warri, today, Thursday June 19, noted: “We, the Itsekiri Coordinators, are compelled to address the recent protest at NSA Office at Abuja and several allegations circulating on social media and other online platforms, regarding Tantita Security Services Limited's alleged oppression of the Itsekiri people.

“As coordinators, we have been working closely with Tantita Security Services Limited management, and we can confidently say that Tantita’s primary objective is to ensure the safe and uninterrupted operation of pipelines and oil facilities within our domain. This is in the best interest of our communities and the nation at large.

“We want to assure the public that Tantita is committed to the well-being and safety of our people. If there were any truth to the allegations of oppression, we the Itsekiri coordinators would be the first to speak out against such injustices. We stand in solidarity with our people and will not tolerate any form of oppression or mistreatment.

“We are concerned that these false allegations may be orchestrated by individuals or groups, seeking to destabilize our communities or further their own interests.

“We urge the law enforcement agencies to investigate these claims and identify those who may be falsely using the name of Tantita Security Services Limited to commit crimes or perpetuate violence in Itsekiri land.

“We call on the relevant authorities to take immediate action to apprehend those responsible for spreading these false allegations and to bring them to justice.

“We wish to express our unwavering support for our Itsekiri leaders in their efforts to uncover and bring to justice anyone using the name of Tantita Security Services Limited to oppress our people. We will work closely with our leaders to identify and resist such individuals, and we will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect our community from those who seek to exploit or harm us.

“At the same time, we acknowledge that, in the pursuit of justice and security, we cannot rule out the possibility that some individuals may be using the name or uniform of Tantita Security Services Limited to commit crimes or engage in other illicit activities.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, and we assure them that we will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“We at Tantita remain committed to promoting peace, security, and development in our community. We urge our people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

“Notwithstanding, the general public should take note that these are the same set of people who went faceless in the previous protest against Tantita some times last year, which led to the press conference we the coordinators held at Ugbodede community in April, 2024.

“Moving forward, on the issue of the ongoing proposed ward delineation, we, the Itsekiri Coordinators, fully endorse and support the concerns and objections raised by the Itsekiri people. We stand in solidarity with our people on this matter and will continue to advocate for the interest of Itsekiri nation on this proposed ward delineation. 

“We the Itsekiri coordinators are absolutely loyal to the authority of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, the Olu of Warri and remain subjects to His Majesty Overlordship.” 

×