Kare-Epere Community Accuses Sterling Oil of Land Encroachment

Residents of Kare-Epere Zion Community in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, have accused Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited of encroaching on their ancestral land and conducting unauthorized soil-testing activities. The community's chairman, Moses Tomone, alleged that residents were told to vacate the area due to arrangements between Sterling Oil and leaders of the neighboring Agge Community in Bayelsa State.

Tomone stated that the company's activities have affected land used for farming and fishing, raising concerns about the community's future. He questioned any arrangements affecting Kare-Epere's land without their consent and claimed Agge had been collecting rent from Sterling Oil for operations on disputed land.

Community representative David Ugolo called for transparency regarding the company's host-community arrangements and compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act. He expressed concerns about the lack of basic amenities and warned that displacement could worsen economic hardships for families dependent on farming and fishing.