‘However, the driver, upon sighting the soldiers, reportedly refused to stop and instead sped off into Ette community. The security operatives gave chase, and when they finally stopped the vehicle, some community youths gathered in large numbers, allegedly trying to resist the soldiers’ operation’
By Kingpin Eshiet
The recent crisis in Ette Clan, Ikot Abasi LGA, Akwa Ibom State between locals, security operatives, and Sterling Global Oil Resources Limited has once again brought to the fore the recurring tension between host communities and companies operating in their domain.
From my on-the-ground investigation where I personally visited the scene, interviewed community leaders, youths, and the family of the deceased, I have been able to piece together the true narrative behind the unfortunate incident.
What Really Happened?
The unfortunate incident happened on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, around 9 am. Eyewitnesses reported that a vehicle carrying diesel, suspected by security operatives to be transporting illegally refined products or stolen items from Sterling Global facilities where the company loses over ten million naira worth of goods to vandals daily was being trailed from Okobi in Okpum-Ette. The security operatives, acting on suspicion that the product might have been stolen from Sterling Global, attempted to intercept the vehicle.
However, the driver, upon sighting the soldiers, reportedly refused to stop and instead sped off into Ette community. The security operatives gave chase, and when they finally stopped the vehicle, some community youths gathered in large numbers, allegedly trying to resist the soldiers’ operation.
In the ensuing standoff, the soldiers fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd. Unfortunately, one of the bullets accidentally hit a young man in the crowd. Sterling Global, upon hearing of the incident, rushed to the scene and offered to take the victim to the hospital for treatment. Sadly, the community rejected the offer, insisting on traditional methods of care. Before the day ended, the victim tragically passed away.
In a shocking turn of events, the angry youths went on a rampage, setting ablaze Sterling Global’s properties worth millions of Naira, an act that is both disheartening and condemnable.
A Call for Peace and Dialogue
It is indeed unfortunate that a young life was lost in this incident, and my heart goes out to the bereaved family. However, this tragic event raises a fundamental question:
Must our communities continue to chase away companies that bring jobs, development, and opportunities to our people?
Over the years, several companies have abandoned communities across the Niger Delta due to incessant attacks, vandalism, and hostility from locals. This only leaves these communities in deeper poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment.
Sterling Global Oil Resources Limited is one of the few companies that have consistently shown community-friendly policies, creating jobs for locals and empowering youths through several initiatives. Burning down their properties is not only an act of lawlessness but a direct attack on the future of the community.
Community Leaders Must Rise
The responsibility of safeguarding companies operating in communities lies with both the Government and community leaders. The increasing wave of criminal activities such as illegal bunkering, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism must be urgently addressed by community leaders.
Village heads, youth leaders, and traditional rulers must work hand in hand with companies and security agencies to secure their domain. Rather than shielding criminal elements, they must expose them to prevent situations like this from repeating.
Dialogue, Not Violence
No crisis can be resolved through violence. Dialogue remains the best approach to settling disputes between companies and host communities. The Government, through its conflict resolution agencies, must engage the community leaders, youths, and Sterling Global in a roundtable discussion to prevent further escalation of hostilities.
Conclusion
The death of the young man is a painful loss, but it must not be allowed to destroy the economic future of communities. The Government must act swiftly to restore calm, while the community must refrain from further violence.
Sterling Global is not the enemy, criminal elements are the real enemies of the community. If we continue to chase away companies through violence, who will bring development to our communities?
Let us all rise to protect our communities, safeguard investments, and promote peace for the progress of our people. Sterling Global reportedly has over twelve thousand workers, with more than 80% being Akwa Ibom indigenes. Must we allow criminal elements to keep pushing them away? Think!
Kingpin Eshiet is an Advocate for Peace.
