Members of the Brumuke Sana Family in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have protested over an unresolved compensation dispute involving land used for an oil and gas facility.

The family, supported by community members, held a peaceful protest last week against Renaissance African Energy Company Limited. The company now operates assets formerly owned by Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC).

The protesters accused the company of using their ancestral land without paying what they consider fair compensation. They carried placards calling for payment and recognition of their land rights.

Dispute Over 7,382.805 Square Metres

The dispute concerns about 7,382.805 square metres of land. The Brass Creek Oil and Gas Manifold and Heliport occupies the property.

The facility links the Tunu, Opukushi and Beniseide Flow Stations with the Forcados Terminal in neighbouring Delta State. The family says the land has supported oil operations for years without a settlement of its compensation claim.

Family representatives also alleged that they have not received royalties or other benefits linked to the use of the property.

Family Seeks Government Intervention

Community representatives said they have tried several ways to resolve the dispute. They said they sent petitions to Renaissance Energy, the Bayelsa State Government, the police, the Joint Task Force and other agencies.

Chief Ken Aguna and former community women leader Mrs Butter Felix-Anebi said the petitions have not produced a solution.

The family head, Bonaze Maxwell Brumuke, said the dispute has placed a heavy financial burden on him. The octogenarian has spent years pursuing the matter through petitions and court processes.

According to the family, Julius Berger assessed the land in 1993. They claim that the assessment did not lead to payment of compensation.

Community Leaders Support Land Claim

Traditional leaders from the Peretoru-Gbene Federated Communities have also backed the family’s claim.

Dr Timi Odikeme Okere (Foukeregha IV), the Secretary to the Chiefs Council, Awulu Dumbo, and Chief Edward Ayiba said the community recognises Brumuke as the legitimate owner of the disputed land.

Chief Osadebe Okoun and Chief Tekearede Oyabrade also supported the family’s position.

The community leaders called on Renaissance Energy to meet with the family and address the compensation dispute. They said a settlement would help reduce tension in the oil-producing area.

Land Rights and Infrastructure

The dispute highlights the importance of clear land ownership and fair compensation when companies develop infrastructure on community land.

Land remains a key part of Nigeria’s infrastructure and development system. Oil facilities, roads, housing projects and other developments often depend on access to land.

Clear ownership records can help reduce disputes between landowners, companies and government agencies. Fair compensation can also help communities participate in development without losing their property rights.

For the Brumuke Sana Family, however, the immediate issue remains its claim for compensation over the land occupied by the Brass Creek facility.

As of the time of filing, attempts to obtain a response from Renaissance African Energy Company Limited were unsuccessful.

The family and community leaders are calling for direct talks with the company. They want the long-running dispute resolved through a process that recognises the family’s claim to the land and addresses its compensation concerns.

The case also shows why effective land administration matters to infrastructure development. When ownership and compensation issues remain unresolved, disputes can continue for years and affect both communities and companies operating in the affected areas.

The post Bayelsa Family Demands Compensation Over Oil Facility Land appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Tension flared in Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday, as thousands of angry women; mostly elderly and middle-aged, stormed the streets in a massive protest against what they described as “rampant land grabbing” and “abuse of power” by their community President-General (PG), Mr. Ebuka Onuorah.

Armed with placards and chanting protest songs, the women marched through the town demanding urgent intervention from the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. They warned that the situation, if unchecked, could escalate into a full-blown crisis.

“The PG wants to turn us into refugees in our own community,” lamented Mrs. Grace Aghauche, Women Leader and Chairlady of Etiti village. “We cannot be Internally Displaced Persons on our ancestral land because of his land grabbing activities.”

Aghauche accused Onuorah of abandoning the community’s constitution, imposing leadership structures, and silencing dissent. “He is intimidating women, and all our efforts to make the authorities listen to us have been scuttled. We’ve written several petitions, but nothing has been done. Every day, he encroaches further into our land, sharing it among a select few,” she added. “We want the PG removed over these notorious acts. We’re begging our governor to step in now so that peace can return.”

Another protester, Mrs. Chinwe Udo, painted a bleak picture of the economic toll of the alleged land sales. “Our ancestral farmlands are being sold off indiscriminately. We can’t even go to farm anymore, there’s no land left,” Udo said. “The PG uses security operatives to harass anyone who questions him. We’re living in fear. We need the governor to act quickly.”

The women also raised alarm over disruptions to sacred cultural practices, particularly in Etiti village, where they allege that burial and funeral rites have been tampered with.

Reacting to the protest, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Agidi, His Royal Highness Igwe Michael Chidozie Okekeuche, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ichie Ifeanyi Ndulue, acknowledged the women’s grievances and assured them that steps were being taken to address their concerns.

“We are witnessing what no community should ever endure,” the monarch said. “Allegations of rampant land grabbing, abuse of power by those entrusted with leadership, and the imposition of parallel leadership structures allegedly fueled by the Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union Nigeria, are deeply troubling.”

He urged calm and restraint, reminding citizens that Enugwu-Agidi’s heritage is rooted in peace and brotherhood. “Your cry has been heard. But let us also remember: anger is not our tradition; violence is not our heritage,” the monarch emphasized. “Let us not allow chaos to consume what generations before us labored to build.”

Citing his powers under the Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union Constitution and the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law of 2007, the Igwe promised that a resolution would be pursued through dialogue and lawful means.

In a brief response, Mr. Ebuka Onuorah denied all the allegations leveled against him. “All those allegations are lies,” he said. “I am not a land grabber. I don’t even belong to the land committee. If they have grievances, they should channel them to the appropriate body.”

Despite Onuorah’s denial, the atmosphere in Enugwu-Agidi remains tense, with protesters vowing to continue their demonstrations until action is taken.

The post Anambra Women Storm Streets Over Land Grabbing, Demand PG’s Removal appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Etomi community in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State has protested the planned sale of its cocoa estate. The peaceful protest happened on Wednesday.

Hundreds of farmers joined the march. They held placards with bold messages. Some signs read, “Our cocoa estate is not for sale” and “No to privatisation.”

Community leader Mbek Agbor-Tangban spoke during the event. He said their ancestors donated the land many years ago. The donation came with a clear agreement.

Mr. Agbor-Tangban said the community became concerned after a newspaper advert appeared. The notice was published on June 25, 2025. It invited bidders to take over the estate.

Women’s leader Ntunkai Mary-Ndum also shared her concerns. She said the land supports their families. If the government no longer wants to manage the estate, it should return the land to the people.

Youth leader Abang Shikina-Oji spoke about the history. He said the land was given to the government in 1957. The goal was to support local farmers.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, and the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, addressed the crowd. They promised that the government will review the issue carefully.

They said Governor Bassey Otu cares about the people. They also urged the community to stay calm during the review process.

The post Etomi Community Rejects Sale of Cocoa Estate in Cross River appeared first on Housing TV Africa.