The Delta State Police Command has intervened in rising tensions between Sterling Global Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and the Umuseti Ogbe community in Kwale, following a planned protest over unresolved grievances.

The intervention was led by the Commissioner of Police,CP Yemi Oyeniyi, who convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order while encouraging dialogue between both parties.

The meeting brought together representatives of SEEPCO and leaders of the Umuseti Ogbe community after the police received notice of a planned protest linked to longstanding concerns between the host community and the oil exploration company.

Senior police officials in attendance included the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the Area Commander in Ozoro, the Divisional Police Officer of Ozoro Division, and a military representative overseeing security operations linked to SEEPCO facilities.

The community delegation was led by the Okpara-Ukwu, Sunday Ebo Ogwe, who was represented at the meeting by the community’s Prime Minister, Chief Okwa Akwaligbe. High Chief Pedro Akpe also spoke on behalf of residents, presenting grievances and concerns affecting the community.

SEEPCO was represented by its General Manager for Community and Security, Col. Karmveer Singh, who assured the gathering of the company’s willingness to maintain dialogue and strengthen relations with its host community in order to address outstanding issues.

CP Yemi Oyeniyi stressed that maintaining peace and stability in oil-producing communities remains critical to both security and economic activity, noting that disputes must be resolved through constructive engagement rather than confrontation.

He explained that the purpose of the meeting was not to assign blame but to create a platform where all parties could express their concerns openly and work toward a peaceful resolution.

The Commissioner further assured that the Delta State Police Command would continue to facilitate dialogue and take proactive steps to prevent escalation of conflict in any part of the state.

Following the discussions, the police-led delegation, alongside representatives of both SEEPCO and the community, conducted an inspection tour of Umuseti Road in Kwale to assess some of the issues raised during the meeting.

At the end of the engagement, both parties expressed appreciation for the intervention of the police and indicated willingness to sustain dialogue as part of ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and cooperation in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the outcome of the meeting in an official statement issued from Asaba.