The Coordinators of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and President-Generals of all Urhobo communities have firmly rejected the recent call by the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) for the federal government to terminate Tantita’s oil pipeline surveillance contract.
At a well-attended press conference held in Ughelli, with over 2,000 Tantita employees present, the Coordinators and President-Generals unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the company’s management, lauding its impact in engaging Urhobo youths and enhancing community security across Urhobo land.
According to the leaders, Tantita currently employs more than 3,500 Urhobo youths drawn from 88 communities across 16 kingdoms, making it the largest employer of labour in Urhobo land.
“As of today, Tantita employs over 3,500 Urhobo indigenes, covering 88 communities across 16 Urhobo kingdoms,” the statement read.
“This level of community engagement has never been seen before. Every oil-bearing Urhobo community directly participates in the protection of national oil assets within their domain.”
They emphasized that, much like in Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, and Kwale territories, Tantita has established strong operational roots in Urhobo communities, with thousands of local youths actively safeguarding national oil infrastructure.
“From Iwhremeragha to Unenurhie, Kokori to Oguname-Olomu, Ovwiamuge-Agbarho to Ugbomro, Mosogar to Ibada-Elume and Arhavwarhien, Urhobo indigenes are on ground with Tantita.
Every kilometre of pipeline in Urhobo land is protected 100% by local hands,” the Coordinators asserted.
They further stated that for over two years, Tantita operatives in Urhobo land have worked diligently to curb vandalism, oil theft, illegal refining, and environmental degradation, with no complaints recorded from the communities.
“Tantita’s use of cutting-edge technology, coupled with effective management, may appear effortless to outsiders, but the results speak for themselves,” the statement added.
“We caution against being misled by socio-cultural organizations misinformed about the situation on the ground.”
Reacting to the recent UPU publication, which claimed that a “General Assembly of the Urhobo people” had reached a resolution rejecting Tantita’s operations, the Coordinators questioned the credibility of such claims.
“We challenge them to present the minutes of that meeting, the notice of assembly, and the date it was held. Such misinformation only serves to divide the Urhobo Nation and must be strongly resisted.”
Chief Ukpebitere, President-General of Evwreni Community, speaking on behalf of all Urhobo President-Generals, warned against attempts to create division between Urhobo communities and Tantita for selfish reasons.
“No one should sow discord between the Urhobo Nation and Tantita for personal gain,” he said. “We urge all Urhobo sons and daughters to disregard such publications and continue cooperating with Tantita’s management.”
The event climaxed with a unanimous vote of confidence in High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, Kestin Pondi, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, and the entire Tantita Security Services team.
The motion was raised by Mr. Godspower Enerho, National President of the Urhobo Youth Council, and was overwhelmingly adopted by attendees.
