There is palpable tension in Finima on Bonny Island, host community to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas ( NLNG) complex in Rivers State, as gunmen reportedly attacked the residence of the Amadabo of the area, Aseme Alabo Dagogo Lambert Brown.
It was gathered that the attack which did not end at the monarch’s residence, occurred at about 3am on Saturday.
A source in the area, disclosed that the residence of one Alabo Tuwonimi was also targeted and that the hand of an indigene identified as Ibiwari Brown was allegedly cut off by the attackers.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Amasenibo Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, has directed the immediate suspension of all events and cultural activities in Finima Community.
The Council Chairman, who gave the directive when he visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation, expressed grave concern over the incident and assured residents that every necessary measure was being taken to restore and sustain peace and security in the community.
He strongly condemned the unfortunate act of violence and warned that any attempt by any individual or group to undermine the security architecture of Bonny Local Government Area would be firmly resisted.
He stated that all persons found to be responsible for the incident would be identified and brought to justice, stressing that acts capable of threatening the peace, security and safety of residents would not be tolerated anywhere within the Local Government Area.
The Chairman further commended the security agencies for their swift and professional response, noting that their timely intervention contributed significantly to bringing the situation under control.
According to the Council Chairman, no individual, regardless of status or position, would be permitted to undermine the peace, security and stability of Bonny Local Government Area.
“Consequently, all security agencies have been duly notified of the directive suspending all events and cultural activities in Finima Community. Any person or group that disregards this directive will be arrested accordingly”, he stated.
The chairman called on residents of Finima Community and the entire Bonny Local Government Area to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while assuring the public that the security situation is being closely monitored.
Similarly, in a press release titled: ” SOS on Looming Invasion of Finima to Unleash Anarchy” and signed by the Administrative Secretary, Amasenibo Vivian Daps Brown, the Buoye Omuso Brown Founding and Ruling House have called for urgent intervention to prevent breach of peace in Finima.
The release read; ” The Amadabo-in-Council of the Buoye Omuso Brown Founding and Ruling House of Finima is raising serious concerns over efforts by the Bonny Chiefs Council, led by Se-Alabo (Amb.) Dagogo Soala Claude-Wilcox, to support a faction of the Tobin Chieftaincy House in actions capable of causing unrest and breaching the peace in Finima on 22nd August and 31st Oct, 2026 .
“Our concerns stem from a press statement issued by the Bonny Chiefs Council on August 17, 2026, which can cause actions that will threaten the stability of the Community.
” This is an abysmal failure of a respectful traditional leadership institution that ought not to be caught partial in its administrative affairs. Similar incitement of irate youths by same institution was made in June 10, 2021 that resulted to serious infliction of bodily injuries and unwanted destruction of properties in Finima.
“The latest interdiction originated in 2024 when a faction of the Tobin Chieftaincy House led by one Dagogo Joseph Tobin initiated moves to establish what it calls the “Tobin House Owu-ogbo” on the basis of their ownership of Finima – an offensive and provocative act likely to cause anarchy and breach of peace.
“The Amadabo-in-Council maintains that the conspiracy narrative surrounding the creation of the so-called factional “Tobin House Owu-ogbo” distorts the well-established history and origin of Finima, which have been validated by courts of competent and coordinate jurisdiction. The Council insists that historical facts should not be manipulated for personal or political interests.
“The leadership of Finima emphasizes that the community has traditionally operated as one united entity with common socio-cultural institutions, including a single Opu-ogbo, Nwantam Society, and Okonko Club.
” These institutions have always served as symbols of unity among the various chieftaincy houses. It is on record that respected leaders from the Tobin House, including the late Se-Alabo Young S. Tobin and Chief Owunabo S. Tobin, played prominent roles in these institutions without seeking to establish parallel structures, choosing instead to promote peace and communal harmony.
“The Amadabo-in-Council expresses concern over intelligence reports suggesting that the proposed “Tobin House Owu-ogbo” may extend beyond a cultural display and could be used to deepen divisions within the community, particularly as investigations involving the Inspector-General of Police’s monitoring team are still ongoing, hence why the haste to go ahead.
“Any breakdown of law and order in Finima could have wider implications, given the strategic importance of the community to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Having already borne the burden of relocation and environmental challenges arising from the establishment of the Nigeria LNG plant, the people of Finima should not be subjected to further instability. Any disruption in the area could affect economic activities and energy production, with consequences beyond the Community.
“Presently, intelligent report gathered reveal that several unknown individuals are already being moved into Finima for the purpose of carrying out premeditated mayhem on innocent and peace-loving people of Finima.
“The press statement of the Bonny Chiefs Council is a open testament of their continued support and instigation of violence in Finima, which must not be allowed.
“We reaffirm our commitment to peace, unity, and reconciliation. Peaceful coexistence remains central to the heritage and future of the Community, and we admonish all parties to embrace dialogue and mutual understanding.
Our position is against the creation, promotion or recognition of parallel institutions capable of undermining established communal structures and creating division among the people of Finima.
“In view of the foregoing, we respectfully call upon the Nigeria Police Force, other relevant security agencies, the Rivers State Government and all responsible authorities to urgently assess the situation and take every lawful preventive measure necessary to forestall any breach of peace in Finima and its surrounding settlements.
“Finima remains a law-abiding Community determined to protect its stability and progress”.
