Tension as Bille Kingdom, Asari Dokubo Bicker Over Land Claims

Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State has accused the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri Elem-Kalabari, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, Dabaye Amakiri I of planning to invade her communities using his private militia, the “Amama Soldiers”.

Spokesperson of the Bille Kingdom Chiefs Council, Alabo Boma Renner Dappa, Pelebo II, made this allegation on Monday, July 14, 2025 during a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He alleged that individuals suspected to be members of the Amama Soldiers have already been spotted surveying their territory and taking strategic photographs in preparation for an attack.

He further accused King Asari Dokubo of attempting to expand his territorial influence through violent means, warning that the people of Bille would resist any such attempt to displace them from their ancestral lands.

According to Alabo Dappa, Bille Kingdom is calling on the federal and state governments, the Department of State Services (DSS), security agencies, the media, and the international community to take note of the alleged plot and intervene urgently to prevent violence.

“On Saturday, July 12, 2025, in a more brazen escalation, Alhaji Dokubo’s Amama Soldiers invaded Dabira community, threatening residents with imminent violence.”

“They ordered inhabitants to vacate their homes, warning that the community would be burned to the ground upon their return.”  

Chief Pelebo II added that the alleged plot mirrors a similar episode from 25 years ago, during Dokubo’s tenure as President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), when Bille was reportedly attacked in a violent clash that left several dead and many properties destroyed.

“We have it on good record that HRH Asari Dokubo and his Amama group have been unlawfully recruiting young people and gathering weapons. We are deeply concerned.”  

The Bille Kingdom leaders said they have written to local government authorities, the Divisional Police Officer in Degema, and the state government, but are yet to receive a response.

In a swift rebuttal, King Asari Dokubo denied any plan to attack Bille Kingdom, dismissing the allegations as baseless and accusing the Bille people of being the real perpetrators of criminal activities in the region.

“Immediately I became Amanyanabo, the Bille people started attacking me with all sorts of frivolous claims.”

“Everybody knows Bille is the headquarters of bunkering. They harbour kidnappers and oil thieves.”

The Kalabari monarch accused the Bille community of engaging in constant territorial disputes with neighbouring communities and of having a long history of provocation.

“Bille is in court with Kula, Krakrama, Ke, and others. They cause problems everywhere. They think because they’re rascally, they can intimidate people. But one day, a Kalabari community will rise, and Bille will be no more.”  

While distancing himself from any violent intentions, Asari maintained that he would defend himself against what he described as coordinated attacks on his personality and kingdom.

Close watchers of the situation have called for urgent intervention as the rising tension between Bille Kingdom and King Asari Dokubo has raised fears of renewed violence in the already fragile Niger Delta region.

Community leaders and civil society organizations are now calling on the state government, security agencies, and traditional rulers across Rivers State to step in and prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.