Kare-Epere Residents Accuse Sterling Oil of Land Encroachment in Delta,  alleges eviction threats

By Ezekiel Kagbala

KARE-EPERE, Delta State — Residents of Kare-Epere Zion Community in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, have accused Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited, also known as Sterling Global, of encroaching on their ancestral land, conducting unauthorised soil-testing activities and engaging in operations they fear could lead to their displacement.

The residents are calling on the Delta State Government, Burutu Local Government Council and prominent Ijaw leaders to intervene in the disputed land matter, which they say threatens their homes, livelihoods and historical connection to the territory.

The community's chairman, Mr Moses Tomone, raised the concerns on Tuesday while conducting journalists around the area. He alleged that activities associated with the oil company had affected portions of land used for farming and fishing, raising fears among residents about the future of their settlement.

According to Tomone, Sterling Oil had allegedly engaged leaders of neighbouring Agge Community in Bayelsa State in efforts to secure the disputed territory. He claimed that Kare-Epere residents had been told to vacate the area.

Tomone questioned the basis of any arrangement that could transfer or affect land occupied by Kare-Epere residents without their knowledge and consent.

“Agge, which lies along the Atlantic Ocean coastline in Bayelsa State, is separated from Kare-Epere by a river. Kare-Epere is in Delta State, and any dealings between Agge and Sterling Oil should not involve ceding part of Kare-Epere's land to the company,” he said.

The chairman also alleged that Agge had been collecting rent from Sterling Oil for operations on land claimed by Kare-Epere. The reported payments and the circumstances surrounding the alleged land arrangement have not been independently verified.

Residents further alleged that soil-testing and excavation activities had taken place without adequate consultation with the community. They expressed concern that the activities could damage farmland and fishing areas on which local families depend.
Sterling Oil declined to provide an official response when contacted on several occasions for this report. 

Agge Community had also not responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
Community's history and land claims
Kare-Epere Zion Community, popularly known as “Pray for Me Community”, was founded in 1994 by Highness Daniel P. Bele, according to community representatives. 

The settlement developed around farming, fishing and religious activities. Residents also said Kare-Epere was formally recognised as an autonomous community on February 15, 2014, by its mother community, Age, under the late His Highness David Giant Isiayei and his executive.

The residents maintain that their decades-long occupation and historical ties to the land should be considered in any negotiations or commercial arrangements involving the territory.

However, the competing claims over the disputed land have yet to be independently established. Relevant land records, boundary information and any agreements involving the affected parties would be necessary to clarify the dispute. Residents question host-community benefits.

The land controversy has also raised questions about Sterling Oil's alleged financial obligations to Kare-Epere and neighbouring communities.
Tomone claimed that the company pays ₦50,000 monthly to the entire community under a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) involving seven communities in the Age-Kou clan.

The communities listed by the residents are Youtu, Agge-Okibo, Okofaka, Okibozion, Okia, Kare-Epere Zion Community and Belle Community, all in Burutu Local Government Area.

A community representative questioned the adequacy of the reported payment and called for greater transparency regarding the company's host-community arrangements.

Residents also raised concerns about compliance with applicable provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), demanding clarification of the company's obligations and the benefits due to affected communities.
The alleged monthly payment and claims of non-compliance with the PIA have not been independently verified.

The relevant agreements, payment records and applicable legal provisions would need to be examined to establish the parties' obligations.
Community seeks government intervention.

Residents also lamented the lack of basic amenities, including electricity, schools, good roads and safe drinking water. They said possible displacement would worsen the economic hardship facing families who depend on farming and fishing.

Their concerns were reflected in a question directed at those they believe are seeking to determine the future of their homeland without their consent.
“How can a stranger chase a child out of his father's land? Has it ever been recorded that a stranger enters someone else's house and claims ownership?” the residents asked.

The community has appealed to the Delta State Government, Burutu Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Julius Takeme, and prominent Ijaw leaders to investigate the disputed land arrangements and prevent the situation from escalating.

Their demands include an impartial examination of the alleged land transfer, the reported collection of rent, the soil-testing and excavation activities, and any plans that could result in their displacement.

They also want the authorities to establish whether an agreement exists between Age Community and Sterling Oil concerning the disputed territory and determine its scope and implications for Kare-Epere.

The residents say they want a peaceful resolution that respects their claims and protects their livelihoods. An independent investigation, supported by relevant documents and responses from all parties, would help clarify the dispute and identify the appropriate legal steps.