Alleged neglect: Ogbanabou community protests, threatens to shut down oil firm

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The Ogbanabou Federated Community in Diebiri Clan in Warri South West Local Government Area has embarked on a peaceful protest today June 26, 2025 over alleged neglect and refusal to recognize the community as host community by Kalm Marine and Petroleum Services Limited operating in the community, threatening that it would shut down the oil operations of the oil firm for
failure to heed their demands.

However, women, youth and community leaders, led by their chairman, Alex Ebi Feminine stormed the company’s operational field to express deep displeasure over the alleged failure of the indigenous oil firm to fulfill its responsibilities, which has negatively impacted the community’s well-being. The protesters view the company’s actions as “unbearable, grave hardship” and “provocative”.

It was gathered that the community has been in dispute with the indigenous oil firm over the company’s refusal to recognize them and establish the HCDT, despite being mandated to do so within twelve (12) months of obtaining an oil license or lease.
The protesters demanded a fair and just treatment being the host community to the operations of the oil company.

The protesters further expressed their disappointment over the company officials refusal to respond to them during the protest.
They alleged that the company was engaging people who were not from the community, but decided not to recognise the host community for its operations.

Speaking during the protest, the community said, “We are here today to peacefully protest Kalm Marine’s continuous violations of the Petroleum Industry Act and critical issues affecting our community,”. “We will not stand idly by while our community suffers. We demand that Kalm Marine establishes the HCDT and fulfills its responsibilities to our community.”

The protesters reiterate their resolve to shut down the oil company’s operations if their demands were not met in a reasonable time.

Meantime, the community called on the governor to intervene to address the dispute between the community and company.

While the Ogbanabou federated community remained committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the dispute, but emphasised that their rights and interests will not be compromised.

The protesting community called on security agents to intervene for the peaceful resolution, proper engagement and recognition of the community as host community.