The Ogbinbiri Federated Community in Egbema Kingdom in Warri North, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Governments of Delta and Edo States respectively, has suspended its protest against the management of Elcrest E&P Ltd, operator of Abiala Field OML 40, over alleged exclusion and marginalisation in their oil exploration activities.
On March 21st 2024, Ogbinbiri community leaders, including women and youths through a peaceful protest stopped the ongoing dredging work by Elcrest E & P Ltd to gain access to Abiala Field OML 40, over alleged refusal by the management of the company to engage them in a talk on their oil exploration activities.
The Ogbinbiri Community leaders while addressing journalists during a peaceful protest to draw government attention to what they termed “ungodly act” of the management of Elcrest E & P Ltd operating Abiala Field OML 40, frowned at the company refusal to recognise Ogbinbiri community as a host community.
National Chairman and President-General, Hon. Benedict Miyebi, said the community resorted to peaceful protest when all efforts to dialogue through different letters to the Managing Director, Elcrest E & P Ltd, failed to yield the desired results.
However, following the intervention of critical stakeholders, including security agencies, representatives of Delta State government, and top management of Elcrest E&P Ltd, the protest has been suspended to give room for dialogue by the parties.
Announcing the suspension of the protest in a statement Miyebi explained as a peaceful community, they called it off with the belief all parties will keep to their side of agreement.