The Bayelsa government has directed the operator of Oil Mining Lease 29 (OML 29) to suspend all land acquisition activities in Brass Local Government Area following a violent land dispute that claimed one life.

OML 29 is operated by Nembe Exploration and Production, formerly known as Aiteo Exploration and Production Company, an indigenous oil firm, which acquired the oil block following Shell’s divestment in 2014.

The government said the dispute involved Dieama and Okpoama communities and resulted in several persons sustaining severe injuries.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government said the police had restored peace in the affected area.

The commissioner said Gov. Douye Diri had directed the oil firm to stop all land acquisition activities and processes until further notice.

The governor also urged the communities involved, particularly their youths, to maintain peace and avoid actions capable of escalating the dispute.

The government expressed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

It appealed to all parties to cooperate with efforts to restore lasting peace in the affected communities.