Fresh tension is sweeping across Ogoniland following disturbing incidents in Gwara and the Ebubu area of Eleme Local Government Area, sparking widespread concern among Ogoni leaders, civil society groups and key regional stakeholders. Many fear that coordinated attempts may be underway to derail the ongoing Federal Government–backed environmental cleanup and destabilize the region at a critical moment.
The crisis deepened after the collapse of a local water structure in Gwara community, an incident that left residents in fear and revived long-standing concerns over the integrity and safety of development projects in the area. Community members described the collapse as a shocking failure that endangered lives and exposed vulnerabilities in a region already struggling with decades of environmental devastation. Although investigations are still underway, the incident has fueled suspicions of possible sabotage or intentional efforts to undermine the cleanup process.
Experts Urge Stronger Oversight
Commenting on the Gwara incident, Dr. Elvis Ikoma stressed the need for HYPREP to strengthen supervisory roles across all levels of project implementation. He noted that while more than sixteen water projects have been successfully executed, the recent failures appear to be isolated cases that may have resulted from lapses in supervision.
“We cannot say every water project done by HYPREP has collapsed—many have lasted over a year without issues,” he said. “These cases seem isolated and may have occurred due to relaxation on the part of supervisory officers. A panel has already been constituted, so we must wait for its findings rather than preempt the outcome. What we need is an expedited, credible investigation to guide future projects.”
MOSOP President, Prof. Wai Ogosu, also cautioned against speculation. He said he could not comment definitively because he had not personally inspected the affected sites. “All I heard is from social media, and at this time social media is not reliable. I don’t believe in the conspiracy theories flying around. My advice to HYPREP is to avoid unnecessary utterances and ensure that qualified investigators get to the root of the problem,” he stated. He further urged the agency to deploy awareness teams across host communities to curb misinformation.
MOSOGP Confirms Sabotage in Ebubu
Anxiety intensified after the Movement for the Survival of the Gokana People (MOSOGP) released an official statement confirming that the collapse of the Obolo-Ebubu water facility resulted from deliberate sabotage. President Deenor Lucky revealed that over twelve bolts and nuts securing the massive water tank had been intentionally loosened—an act he described as criminal, calculated and a direct assault on the people of Ogoni.
He emphasized that access to safe water is a constitutional right tied to life and dignity, and that destruction of public infrastructure is a serious offense under Nigerian law. MOSOGP demanded immediate investigation, arrest of the culprits and deployment of security surveillance across all HYPREP facilities.
Calls for Presidential Intervention
The incidents have prompted urgent appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. Community leaders said recent collapses and disruptions affecting HYPREP interventions require immediate, impartial technical and security reviews to safeguard the integrity of the cleanup programme.
Central to these concerns is the failure of the 400,000-litre Ebubu Ground Braithwaite Tank. Preliminary engineering assessments showed anomalies inconsistent with normal structural fatigue. The tank—only partially filled at the time—collapsed without signs of overload, and inspectors reported that over two metres of its circumference lacked the bolts needed to secure its panels. Stakeholders argue these findings strongly support sabotage, necessitating an official investigation.
Rising Misinformation and Political Tensions
Tension in Gwara and the surge of misinformation targeting the HYPREP Project Coordinator have worsened community anxiety. Stakeholders fear increasing political interference aimed at undermining the new HYPREP governance structures. Youths, women and grassroots leaders warn that these patterns mirror past struggles that hindered environmental justice in Ogoniland.
Meanwhile, the Ogoni Youth Federation has also alleged sabotage. Some community voices accused the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Hon. Emma Deeyah, and his associates of complicity—claims they say could be verified at joint security–clearance levels. Critics likened the situation to Emperor Nero’s indifference as Rome burned, describing it as a failure of empathetic leadership, particularly as Gwara—Deeyah’s hometown—faces crisis.
Demands to the Presidency
Community leaders outlined a wide-ranging set of requests, including:
Official separation of the Ogoni Trust Fund from HYPREP through a gazette to ensure transparency in managing expected inflows tied to future oil operations.
Appointment of Senator Magnus Ngei Abe as Minister of State for Environment, per the 2016 HYPREP Gazette, to boost local confidence and ensure credible representation.
A joint investigative collaboration involving IOCs, OPTS technical corps, UN Disaster Management experts, ACE and FIDIC Africa, with participation from the Friends of Ogoni Trust and Pan Ogoni Professionals.
Transparent procurement using SAP, SAS or NipeX to eliminate delays and curb legislative interference.
A full audit of the Ogoni Trust Fund covering the last four years, jointly conducted by PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, Accenture, EY and Extros Ne’ Pator Associates.
The statement was signed by Teeh (Prince) Kabari Op-Agara, Akeeyor VI, Mene Sere Efeelo (Custodian of Peace) and Mene Bue Zor (Custodian of Heritage Treasures) of Gborkpara, Kaani – Bor Capital Territory, Ogoniland, who also serves as Country Director of the Friends of Ogoni Trust (FOOT).
Fabeke Warns of Internal Betrayal
Rev. Dr. Fabeke Douglas, President of the Ogoni Liberation Initiative, also voiced growing concerns. Apologizing for his delayed response, he said he spent the time gathering evidence of what he described as internal betrayal and external interference threatening the Ogoni struggle. Comparing the situation to the biblical story of Prophet Balaam, he warned that greed had blinded many actors.
He claimed there were meetings held to monitor his activities but insisted that “divine justice will prevail.” His organization, he said, is compiling records and will eventually “allow the donkey to speak.”
JRC, Stakeholders Caution Against Manipulation
The Ogoni Youths and Stakeholders Secretariat, in collaboration with the Joint Representative Council (JRC), cautioned against misinformation and political manipulation aimed at destabilizing HYPREP. JRC Chairman Ledogo Amabu stressed that Ogoni needs “sustainability, stability and progress— not divisions disguised as activism.”
Stakeholders reaffirmed their confidence in Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, describing him as a globally respected environmental expert. They condemned what they termed harassment and blackmail targeting HYPREP officials and warned that some actors hope to engineer unjust leadership changes to regain access to lucrative contracts.
A Critical Moment for Ogoniland
Across the region, there is growing consensus that the Gwara collapse, confirmed sabotage in Ebubu, and the spread of misinformation pose a significant threat to the cleanup. Leaders urged traditional rulers, youth groups, and religious institutions to expose “enemies of progress hiding among the people,” insisting Ogoni must not return to the crisis-driven setbacks of the past.
They noted that the cleanup is not merely a technical project but a historic pursuit of justice tied to the sacrifices of Ken Saro-Wiwa and others who championed environmental and human rights.
Despite rising tensions, hope remains. Rev. Fabeke assured that “the sun will surely rise,” while MOSOGP and JRC declared that neither sabotage nor greed will derail the collective determination of the Ogoni people.
As investigations intensify and pressure mounts for accountability, Ogoniland braces for the truth—with a united resolve that no hidden agenda will obstruct the restoration of its land, water and dignity.
