The Chiefs and residents of the Dabira Community within the Bille Kingdom, located in the Degema Local Government Area, have released a passionate response to what they label as “unfounded lies” and “historical inaccuracies” propagated by Kalabari groups presenting themselves under the newly created title of Torusarama-Piri.
In a strongly phrased statement endorsed by community leaders, Bille accused the Kalabari of distorting history to obscure what they termed “unauthorised encroachments” on Bille lands, particularly the oil-rich Krakama.
The Bille chiefs contended that the origins of the Kalabari are closely linked to Bille’s generosity. They stressed that the founders of Kalabari were settled on Bille territory after being driven out of Bonny due to “consistent disobedience,” with the term Kalabari itself originating from Kala-Mbari (which translates as give them a little).
The response further contested Kalabari’s assertions regarding border claims, referencing colonial intelligence documents, judicial investigations, and Supreme Court rulings that they argue validate Bille’s ownership of the contested areas.
Regarding oil, Bille asserted that the so-called “Krakrama Oilfield” is actually known as the Krikama Oilfield belonging to the Bille Kingdom, accusing Kalabari leaders of manipulating Shell’s records to falsely assert ownership.
They claimed that Kalabari militias, headed by Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, initiated violent assaults in the late 1990s and early 2000s to eliminate Bille’s Krikama community and obscure the truth.
The statement also ridiculed Asari Dokubo’s recent installation as Dabaye-Amakiri I, Amayanabo of Torusarama-Piri, denouncing it as a “crown lacking historical significance” and “a scheme to annexe Dabira, Ele, Touma, and other Bille territories.”
“We will never permit any individual or group to alter history or forcibly take Dabira. Bille granted Elem Kalabari to the Kalabari people when they sought help, but we will not stand idly by while Asari Dokubo wields a false kingship as a tool of oppression,” the statement pronounced.
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The Dabira leaders urged the Federal and Rivers State Governments, along with security forces, to address what they termed Kalabari’s “resurgent aggression” to prevent further violence from arising.
They concluded by reaffirming Bille’s dedication to peace while cautioning that the Kingdom stands prepared to protect its land and honour: “Billienbo, Billienbo Birasime.”
The following is the acquired press release
