Who Is Really Behind The Bilabiri–Amatu Crisis? Leaders Reject NDPI Claims As Ekeremor Chairman Demands Peace

By Passman Akpos

YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE — Community leaders from Bilabiri Kingdom in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have rejected allegations made by the Niger Delta Peace Initiative (NDPI) against Mr. Ebimene Abaka, popularly known as “Small Fire,” describing the claims as unsubstantiated and capable of further inflaming an already sensitive dispute between Bilabiri and Amatu communities.

The development comes amid renewed controversy over the security situation in the Dodo River axis, allegations of illegal black-sand mining and the deployment of security personnel around the disputed territory.

The NDPI, in a statement signed by its President, General Patrick John, had called on the Federal Government, Bayelsa State Government and security agencies to investigate what it described as the alleged criminal activities of Abaka and the purported use of security personnel to protect him.

The organisation alleged that Abaka, whom it described as a wanted individual, had resumed criminal activities in Agoliyo and surrounding areas and was allegedly moving around with the protection of federal security personnel.

The NDPI further alleged that Abaka was connected to illegal black-sand mining, the alleged hijacking of company equipment and materials and other activities in the Dodo River terrain.

It also claimed that two gunboats carrying naval personnel and soldiers had been stationed in the waters around Bilabiri allegedly in connection with Abaka’s protection.

The organisation urged the authorities to independently investigate the claims and determine whether any security personnel had acted outside their lawful mandate.

However, Bilabiri community leaders have rejected the narrative, insisting that the allegations against their son should not be accepted as established facts without credible evidence and investigation.

The leaders also questioned the portrayal of the security presence in the area as an operation designed to protect an individual, stressing that the deployment could equally be connected to broader efforts to maintain security in a volatile environment.

NDPI Allegations Remain Disputed

The NDPI’s allegations are linked to the longstanding dispute between Amatu and Bilabiri over ownership and control of portions of land around the Agoliyo area.

According to the organisation, the dispute has contributed to tension, attacks and disruption of business activities in the area.

It alleged that the situation had also affected companies operating within the Dodo River terrain, including claims that equipment and materials belonging to oil companies had been hijacked.

However, none of these allegations, including the claims concerning Abaka’s alleged criminal activities or the purported purpose of the security deployment, should be treated as judicially established facts without evidence from competent authorities.

Efforts to obtain Abaka’s response to the NDPI allegations were previously unsuccessful.

Berry Negerese Rejects Violence Allegations

The controversy has also revived allegations previously circulated concerning Hon. Berry Negerese, an APC House of Assembly candidate for Ekeremor Constituency 3.

In an interaction with Tarakirivoice, Negerese strongly denied any involvement in violence or any alleged arms-fuelled plot against Bilabiri residents.

He said he could not contemplate participating in anything capable of resulting in the death of his own people.

Negerese also disclosed that he had allegedly committed more than ₦2 million towards a peace initiative intended to facilitate dialogue between Amatu and Bilabiri stakeholders.

According to him, the funds were meant to support the movement of a delegation seeking reconciliation and peaceful coexistence between the communities.

He maintained that his interest in political office was driven by a desire to serve the people rather than personal financial gain.

Negerese further argued that insecurity in the area was affecting development projects, with contractors and suppliers allegedly reluctant to travel into some communities because of concerns over possible armed confrontation.

Community Development Record Raised

Supporters of Negerese have also pointed to his previous involvement in community-development initiatives.

As chairman of the Dodo River Communities Development Association, he participated in the 2018 handover of the 45-bed Amatu II Cottage Hospital to the Bayelsa State Government.

Contemporary accounts of the project indicated that the facility included healthcare infrastructure, accommodation, water facilities, power infrastructure and a jetty.

In 2020, the Dodo River Communities Development Association also inaugurated projects reportedly valued at more than ₦141.65 million and funded through the NNPC/Chevron joint venture.

The projects reportedly covered communities including Amatu I, Amatu II, Bilabiri I, Bilabiri II and Bisangbene.

While such projects provide context about Negerese’s development activities, they do not by themselves establish or disprove any allegations concerning the current security crisis.

Ekeremor Chairman Steps In

Amid the escalating claims and counterclaims, the Executive Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac Ziminiyain, Ph.D., has moved to bring the parties to the negotiating table.

On August 26, 2026, the council chairman convened a peace and security meeting involving representatives of Bilabiri and Amatu communities, security chiefs and other stakeholders.

The meeting was held at the Ekeremor Local Government Council and focused on the ongoing crisis arising from the land dispute and black-sand mining activities in the coastal area.

Hon. Onniye stressed the importance of dialogue, restraint and mutual understanding, noting that Bilabiri and Amatu are closely connected communities with longstanding social relationships, including inter-community marriages.

He warned all parties against actions capable of escalating the crisis and reaffirmed that protecting lives and property remained a priority of his administration.

The council chairman also directed all parties to refrain from interfering with or tampering with the disputed land pending government intervention.

He disclosed that the Local Government Council would undertake an on-site assessment of the disputed territory to enable authorities to properly examine the issues and work towards a lasting resolution.

Security Chiefs Attend Meeting

The meeting was attended by representatives of both communities, including Tekena Abaka, CDC Chairman of Bilabiri; Daniel A. Kaizer; Acting HRH Commander Abioden Opumor; Mr. Ebike Adam; Chief Amos Iyelagha; Chief Vincent Iyelagha; Izonboloubode America, Vice Chairman of Amatu; and Ezekiel Yeiyama.

Security and government officials also participated.

They included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, the Area Commander for Ekeremor LGA, the Legal Officer of Ekeremor LGA, SC A.I. Idigo Nsede, Divisional Officer, Ekeremor; Supol Frank Walson, DPO Peretoru; CSP Bonaventure ChukwuEmeka, DPO Ekeremor; and Joshua Collins of the Department of State Services.

The Chairman of Alabini RDA, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and other stakeholders reportedly called for continued dialogue, restraint and peaceful engagement.

A Crisis Bigger Than The Allegations

The competing narratives demonstrate the complexity of the Amatu–Bilabiri crisis.

While the NDPI is demanding investigation into allegations concerning Abaka and the deployment of security personnel, Bilabiri leaders insist that their community should not be subjected to accusations capable of deepening tensions.

At the centre of the dispute are questions concerning land ownership, black-sand mining, security operations, access to development projects and the activities of various actors within the Dodo River axis.

The situation has also become politically sensitive, with allegations and counter-allegations involving political actors emerging alongside the community dispute.

For now, there is no substitute for an impartial investigation.

If allegations of criminal activity, illegal mining, violence or abuse of security authority have been made, competent authorities should establish the facts through evidence rather than social-media claims or competing press statements.

Similarly, legitimate security deployments should be properly explained where necessary to prevent misinformation and reassure affected communities.

The Way Forward

The intervention by the Ekeremor Local Government Council could provide an opportunity for the communities to step away from confrontation and pursue a negotiated settlement.

The council’s planned on-site assessment, combined with dialogue involving traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials and security agencies, could help establish the facts surrounding the disputed territory.

The immediate priority, however, remains preventing further violence.

Bilabiri and Amatu are neighbouring communities whose social and family ties make prolonged conflict particularly damaging.

The parties therefore face a choice: allow allegations, counter-allegations and political suspicions to deepen the crisis, or submit the disputed claims to proper investigation and pursue a peaceful resolution.

For the residents of the Dodo River axis, the demand is ultimately simple — security, justice, development and peace without favouritism.

Until competent authorities complete their investigations, allegations against Ebimene Abaka, Berry Negerese or any other individual involved in the controversy should remain allegations and not be presented as proven criminal conduct.