The Tantita Security Service, originally contracted with protecting pipelines vandalization in the Niger Delta Region, has reportedly shifted its focus to threats to lives, harassment, and intimidation of the peace and law-abiding indigenes of Bilabiri community in Ekeremor local government area of Bayelsa state.

Leaders of Bilabiri Mein Communities, including Bilabiri Chairman, Mr. Tekenane Abaka and Secretary of Bilabiri Mein Kingdom, Paebi Samson, have raised alarm about the threat and publicly condemned these actions and are calling on both the federal government and the governor of Bayelsa State to intervene immediately.

Residents claimed that since the appointment of Tompolo’s in-law as a coordinator of Tantita within Bilabiri Mein Communities, the communities have not known peace, and the situation has deteriorated significantly and there is no hope in sight. Reports of battering and intimidation have become rampant, leading community youths to seek alternative security arrangements by aligning with Darlon Security, a company owned by Chief David Lyon to provide security in the communities.

However, due to the prevailing circumstances the communities have banned Tantita coordinator, who do not live in the community, but only come to disturb the peace of the community.

Tensions escalated further when Tantita Security Service allegedly stormed the community with gunboats, instilling fear among residents.

Eyewitnesses said, that fearful and gun-wielding personnel of Tantita Security Service always storm the community in attempting to exert control over the community through intimidation tactics.

However, the Tantita Security Service Co-ordinator “Yerin Johnbo”, Joshua Timothy Oropere, Ati Debor, and Lucky Tebotu mastermind the arrest of the community chairman in Yenagoa. He was arrested after attending a meeting organized by Shell now known as RENAISSANCE. They planned to arrest him with allegations that did not exist in other to storm the community with gunboats to harass others who were not loyal to them.

The leadership also expressed deep concern over the growing unrest, urging state and federal authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the Bilabiri Mein communities. “We cannot allow this level of intimidation to continue. Our rights, privileges, and safety are being compromised under the guise of security operations,” they stated.

On February 24th, 2025 these same Tantita brought six gunboats to the community that they heard the community is into a heavy bunkery. Whatever happened in Bilabiri, Tompolo and his inlaw should be held responsible.

Community members are rallying together, calling for a reassessment of the role of Tantita Security Service and calling for a return to peaceful coexistence in the community. As tensions mount, the response of government authorities would be highly appreciated to nail the situation on the bud to determine the future stability of the Bilabiri community.

The situation remains fluid, as we watch the unfolding of events in the community. Community leaders are calling on all relevant authorities to come to their rescue, leading to an immediate resolution and the protection of their rights and privileges as citizens.