14, May 2026
The Delta State Police Command has stepped in to mediate rising tensions between Sterling Global Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and the Umuseti Ogbe Community in Kwale, after the community issued a notice to protest against the company.
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Commissioner of Police for Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Kwale bringing together representatives of SEEPCO and traditional leaders of Umuseti Ogbe Community. The meeting was aimed at addressing the community’s grievances and preventing a breakdown of law and order in the area.
CP Oyeniyi was joined by senior security officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the Area Commander of Ozoro, and the Divisional Police Officer of Ozoro Division. Also present was Major Emmanuel Omo-Africa, who oversees military security operations for SEEPCO.
The Umuseti Ogbe delegation was led by the community’s Okpara-Ukwu, Sunday Ebo Ogwe, represented at the meeting by the Prime Minister, Chief Okwa Akwaligbe. High Chief Pedro Akpe spoke on behalf of the community, presenting their complaints and concerns to the company and security officials.
Representing SEEPCO was Col. Karmveer Singh, the company’s General Manager for Community and Security. He responded to the issues raised and reaffirmed SEEPCO’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations and open dialogue with its host communities.
In his address, CP Oyeniyi stressed that national security remains a top priority, but emphasized that the peace and stability of host communities are equally critical. He urged both SEEPCO and Umuseti Ogbe Community to resolve their differences through constructive dialogue rather than confrontation. The Commissioner clarified that the purpose of the meeting was not to assign blame, but to listen to both sides and work toward a lasting resolution.
He assured those present that the Delta State Police Command would continue to prioritize peace, security, and harmonious coexistence between host communities and operating companies in the state.
After the meeting, CP Oyeniyi led a joint inspection tour of Umuseti Road in Kwale alongside delegates from the Police Command, SEEPCO, and the community. The tour was conducted to physically assess some of the specific issues raised during the discussions.
Both SEEPCO and Umuseti Ogbe Community representatives thanked the Commissioner of Police for his intervention. They expressed willingness to keep engaging in dialogue to reach an amicable settlement.
The meeting was signed off by SP. Bright Edafe, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, Asaba, on May 14, 2026.
