In a heartfelt plea steeped in humility and gratitude, the people of Safarogbo Community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), to grant employment slots in the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, to their indigenes under the Pipeline Surveillance and Protection Contract.
The community, while showering glowing commendations on Tantita for its patriotic role in combating oil theft and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta, lamented that many of its residents were left economically stranded after the clampdown on illegal oil activities in their area.
The appeal, dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the company’s Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, was jointly signed by the Chairman, Bunkering Association, Youth President as well as the Secretary.
Safarogbo, once notorious as a hub for illegal oil trade, has in recent years become a symbol of cooperation with national security agencies in the ongoing fight against crude oil theft.
The community’s latest appeal underscores the economic vacuum left by the elimination of such activities, a development they described as both “necessary and laudable” but “economically devastating.”
Observers note that Tantita Security Services, operating under Tompolo’s leadership, has been widely praised for dismantling entrenched oil theft networks and restoring government control over vital crude oil corridors in the Niger Delta.
The full text of the community’s letter as obtained by our correspondent reads:
SAFAROGBO COMMUNITY
Ovia South West Local Government Area,
Edo State, Nigeria.
20th October, 2025
The Managing Director,
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited,
No. 1 Refivie Close, Bendel Estate,
Igborikoko, Warri,
Delta State.
Sir,
HEARTFELT APPRECIATION AND AN APPEAL FOR EMPLOYMENT SLOTS FOR SAFAROGBO COMMUNITY
With deep respect and a sense of duty, we, the leaders and representatives of Safarogbo Community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, wish to extend our profound appreciation to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for its outstanding and patriotic service to the nation, particularly in the area of curbing oil theft and illegal bunkering across the Niger Delta region.
Your company’s consistent vigilance, sacrifice, and firm leadership under the guidance of High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) have restored integrity and discipline to our waterways, revived confidence in government operations, and greatly reduced environmental degradation that had long plagued our communities. We sincerely commend your unwavering dedication and salute the foresight that birthed such an impactful security framework.
Sir, before the advent of Tantita’s operations, Safarogbo Community regrettably served as one of the notable depots for illegal bunkering activities in Edo State, where buying and selling of petroleum products were commonplace. While these activities were unlawful, it is equally true that many of our people depended on them for their daily survival. The total eradication of those operations, though necessary and laudable, has left our people economically stranded and jobless.
In light of this reality, we humbly and respectfully appeal for employment slots for our deserving youths and indigenes under the ongoing Pipeline Surveillance and Protection Contract. We are deeply aware that such opportunities are not rights but privileges, and we approach you with sincere humility and hope that our request will be considered favourably.
We assure you, Sir, that the inclusion of Safarogbo indigenes in Tantita’s workforce will further consolidate the peace, cooperation, and mutual trust already existing between our community and your noble company. It will also rekindle hope among our youths who now see Tantita as a symbol of change and fairness in the Niger Delta.
Once again, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and to your esteemed leadership for your continued protection of the nation’s vital oil assets. May the Almighty God continue to bless your efforts and grant you greater wisdom and strength in the service of our region and our nation.
Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and unwavering loyalty.
Yours Faithfully,
Comr. Ewerigha Tinimowei Terry
Chairman, Bunkering Association
07071783109
Comr. Bekewei Hope Ikiyouleimo
Youth President
0813 538 9658
Comr. Adaun Michael Miyen
Secretary, Bunkering Association
0903 350 4856
