Unenurhie Community Leadership Condemns Protest Against Heritage Energy, Calls For Peace

The leadership of Unenurhie Community in Evwreni Clan, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, has condemned protests against the drilling operations of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, calling on the state government and security agencies to intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The community leadership, in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting held on October 15, 2026, said the protests, which took place on October 12, 13 and 14, were organised by some members of the community under the leadership of Mr. Oghenekaro Pius.

The leadership expressed concern over the protests, particularly the decision of the organisers to embark on the action without prior consultation or engagement with the recognised community leadership.

It specifically condemned the protests organised and led by Mr. Pius Omokaro Ogbodoko, Avoke Umukoro, Mr. Saturday Chadwick and their associates, describing their actions as unacceptable and contrary to the collective interests, peace and orderly development of Unenurhie Community.

The communiqué, however, acknowledged that some of the grievances raised by the protesters might be genuine, stressing that such concerns ought to have been channelled through the recognised community leadership, which it said had already commenced steps to address the issues.

The leadership further noted that Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited had entered into a Freedom to Operate (FTO) Agreement with the community before the commencement of drilling operations, under which the company was granted consent to carry out its activities.

It consequently condemned any unilateral action capable of undermining the existing understanding between the community and the company.

The community leadership expressed grave concern that the activities of Mr. Oghenekaro Pius and his associates had generated unnecessary tension within the community, warning that the situation could degenerate into a breakdown of law and order if not promptly addressed.

It therefore called on the Delta State Government, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council and relevant security agencies to urgently intervene and take appropriate lawful measures to preserve peace, prevent further escalation of tension and protect lives and property.

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The leadership also passed a vote of confidence in the Odion Rode of Evwreni Kingdom, the President-General and the entire Executive Council of Unenurhie Community, reaffirming its unwavering support for their continued efforts towards promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.

It urged all sons and daughters of Unenurhie Community to remain calm, law-abiding and committed to peaceful dialogue, insisting that no individual or group should resort to unlawful conduct under the guise of pursuing community interests.

The communiqué was signed by His Highness James Amuke, the Odion Rode of Evwreni Kingdom; Comrade Williams Ilayah, President-General of Unenurhie Community; Stanley Obegor, Secretary-General; Esiajere Bernard, Youth Chairman of Uruwheru Quarter; and Edward Emmanuel, Youth Chairman of Ewurhie Quarter.