Federal High Court Ruling Against Chevron, Itsekiri Communities: Benikrukru Leaders Face Threats

Federal High Court Ruling Against Chevron, Itsekiri Communities: Benikrukru Leaders Face Threats

• Benikrukru Leaders Under Attack
• Group Accuses Olu of Warri of Instigating Violence
• Warns Chevron Against Bias, Urges Compliance with Court Order

Leaders of the Benikrukru Community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State are facing serious threats following a recent Federal High Court judgment in Warri. The ruling barred Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) from paying compensation to certain Itsekiri communities in the Abiteye oil fields, located in the coastal region of Delta State.

Reports indicate that militant groups and individuals from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality have issued threats of violence and economic sabotage in response to the court’s decision. There are also alleged death threats targeting prominent figures in Benikrukru.

Militant Threats and Calls for Violence

A widely circulated threat message from a self-proclaimed militant leader, “General Iwedundun Akpakpa” of the Itsekiri Defense Council (IDC), warned of impending attacks. According to Akpakpa, a 48-hour ultimatum was issued for Itsekiris working at the Abiteye flow station to either identify as Ijaw or vacate the premises. The ultimatum also allegedly demanded that Itsekiris in Abiteye leave their homeland or start paying rent for staying there.

Akpakpa further declared:

“Abiteye, Deghele, and Bateren belong to the Itsekiris. We, the IDC, will ensure that all Itsekiri land is protected at all costs. In the coming days, we will cause damages that will not only affect the Delta State Government but will also be felt by the federal government. If this happens, (name withheld) will be responsible for the bloodbath and economic losses in Nigeria.”

He also threatened the destruction of Kenyagbene, a community within Abiteye, and warned of potential violence similar to the Okuama crisis in Warri South West.

Federal High Court Ruling and Its Implications

On January 31, 2024, the Federal High Court in Warri, presided over by Justice H. A. Nganjiwa, ruled in favor of Benikrukru Community, ordering Chevron to discontinue compensation payments to Ode-Itsekiri and Deghele communities.

The case, marked FHC/WR/CS/49/2024, was filed by Benikrukru indigenes, including Pa. Kwekwewei Onimiyenmene, Pastor Paul Willie, Elder David Kiriodougha, Captain John Abase, Elder Dogood Ogoloru, and Madam Goldcoast Jimmy. They sought to nullify an expired 1982 Consent Judgment, which had governed compensation payments for land use in Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Chevron Nigeria Limited was listed as the 1st defendant, while representatives of Ode-Itsekiri and Deghele communities were named as additional defendants. The court ruled that the 1982 Consent Judgment had expired and was no longer enforceable, thus granting the Benikrukru community’s claims.

Accusations Against the Olu of Warri

Amid growing tensions, the Movement for Peace and Justice in the Niger Delta (MPJND) has accused the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, of supporting the threats issued by Itsekiri militias.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Okejoto Ezekiel, MPJND alleged that the Olu of Warri was behind the unrest and urged him to publicly denounce the threats made by his subjects.

*”The Olu of Warri must prove he is not behind this violence by calling his subjects to order. Resorting to violence is not the answer. If his people attack Benikrukru, he should be held responsible.