The Concerned Youths of Ogbotobo (CYO) have accused youths from Letugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, of tampering with pillars demarcating the boundary between the two communities at Isabutubor.
In a statement signed by community leaders and youth representatives, Ogbotobo alleged that individuals identified as Letugbene youths used tools such as cutlasses, hoes, and shovels to dig out and reposition one of the boundary pillars. The markers were originally installed by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), now Renaissance, to clearly define the territorial limits between Ogbotobo and Letugbene.
According to the Ogbotobo youths, the alleged action was aimed at influencing the anticipated judgment of the Bayelsa State Government and other relevant authorities on the rightful ownership of the disputed land. They claimed that the move was part of a broader attempt by Letugbene to claim the land and be recognized as an oil and gas producing community.
The statement stressed that altering the pillars would not affect the outcome of the case, as the original boundary map is in the possession of Ogbotobo, SPDC, and the Bayelsa State Government. The group described the alleged actions as a futile attempt to subvert justice, warning that all relevant authorities have been alerted.
Those notified include the Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Council, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, state security agencies, and other government institutions. The Ogbotobo youths called for Letugbene to be held accountable for what they described as a âcriminal actâ and an âattempted land grab.â
The statement also claimed that members of Ogbotobo have been receiving death threats and facing acts of aggression since attending a recent meeting with the Ekeremor Council Chairman. The group said it possesses voice notes and other evidence to support these allegations.
Despite these tensions, the Ogbotobo youths reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace in line with directives from the Ekeremor Council Chairman and the Deputy Governor. They stated that they would continue to await the official verdict on the true ownership of Etebere Creek.
The statement was signed by Comr. Pereyeibo Oweilayefa, Comr. Akeme Moses, Chief Isaiah Tangbowe, Comr. Daniel Sapele, Comr. Solomon Akuna, Comr. Michael Tare Enaigbagha, and Comr. Raphael Benson on behalf of the Concerned Youths of Ogbotobo.
The Bayelsa State Government has not yet issued an official statement on the boundary dispute, but the case has drawn increasing attention due to its implications for land rights and oil-producing status in the area.
