Obokofia Youths Protest Marginalization by Oil Companies After Peace Deal Brokered by Insp. Chika Okebata (Kill & Bury)
…Demand Immediate Employment from Sterling Global, Adapalm, Tantita Pipeline Security
By Kelechi Ugo
Youths from Obokofia community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State took to the streets on Thursday, August 7, 2025, to protest what they described as continued marginalization by oil companies operating in their region—Sterling Global, Adapalm, and Tantita Pipeline Security.
The peaceful protest, led by the Obokofia Youth Coordinator, Mr. Uzoma ThankGod Nwadiaro, popularly known as "Osama", was sparked by the companies’ alleged failure to honor agreements made following a government-brokered peace deal facilitated by Inspector Chika Okebata, also known as “Kill & Bury.”
Nwadiaro, speaking to journalists, expressed deep frustration over the companies’ neglect of the host community. He emphasized that no single youth from Obokofia has been employed by the aforementioned firms, despite their operations being rooted in the community.
“We have been maintaining the security of pipelines in our area without any form of recognition or support from either the oil companies or the government,” Nwadiaro said. “Inspector Chika Okebata (Kill & Bury) played a pivotal role in restoring peace in our crisis-ridden communities. Based on his intervention and promises of inclusion, we supported the government and waited patiently for positive outcomes. But till now, nothing has changed.”
He recalled the severe unrest that once plagued Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta areas, which was only brought under control through Inspector Okebata’s strategic engagement with local stakeholders. However, he warned that the patience of the youth is wearing thin.
“It was because of Inspector Okebata’s efforts that we threw our support behind the APC-led Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma,” Nwadiaro added. “But enough is enough. We want jobs, not promises. If the companies operating on our land cannot employ our youths, then what are we benefiting as an oil-producing host community?”
Nwadiaro called on both the government and the oil firms to act urgently to avoid a breakdown of peace in the region.
“I have tried to calm the youth for so long,” he said. “But I may no longer have the capacity to hold them back if immediate action is not taken.”
The protest signals rising tension in host communities demanding economic inclusion, equity, and corporate responsibility from extractive industries operating in the Niger Delta region.
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