Ijaw Group Warns Against Tribalising Nigeria’s Oil Security

A group, Izon Heritage Cultural Centre has expressed concern over growing tribal tensions targeting the operations of Tantita Security Services Limited, a company led by ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

In a statement yesterday, the group’s chairman, Apostle Bodmas Prince Kemepadei, said some Urhobo leaders were behind calls to remove Tantita from certain areas where it effectively handles oil pipeline surveillance.

Kemepadei said these protests were not about patriotism but were driven by jealousy of Tompolo’s success. He pointed out that Urhobo and Itsekiri contractors operated freely in core Ijaw communities without opposition for years. “So why is Tompolo’s presence suddenly unacceptable?” he asked.
He warned that this ethnic tension could lead to division and instability, saying that if only locals are allowed to handle security in their areas, it could disrupt national unity.

According to him, Ijaw communities have continued to support other ethnic contractors operating in their territories and expect the same level of respect and cooperation.

Kemepadei recalled that in the past, Edo-born businessman Capt. Although oil theft was widespread, Hosa Okunbo managed pipeline contracts across Urhobo areas for eight years without protests.
He emphasised that Tompolo is working hard on the ground to protect national assets, not living a luxurious life.

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“Were Urhobos not working in Ijaw territories for decades? Did Ijaw people ever protest when Urhobo or Itsekiri contractors operated freely in core Ijaw oil-producing areas?

“Tompolo is not living in luxury — he is on the field daily, wearing boots and supervising sites, and he is committed to securing national assets. Is this the man you want to remove?”

“If the logic becomes ‘only locals should secure their oil assets,’ then we must prepare for the complete fragmentation of national security efforts.

“Let us not destroy the fragile unity we have painstakingly built over decades. Tribalising oil security will not only undermine current gains—it could push us all into a retaliatory spiral”, he said.