The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Salman-Dogo Garba, has held a high-level security meeting with leaders of the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic groups over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation crisis in Warri, Delta State,
The meeting with the leaders of the various ethnic groups was called as part of efforts by the police to maintain peace and prevent a breakdown of law and order following the controversy that has trailed the delineation exercise.
The meeting held at the AIG’s office in Benin City, was convened on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
It brought together key stakeholders, including the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, the area commander in Warri, the Chairmen of Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas, traditional leaders and representatives from Gbaramatu Kingdom, the palace of the Olu of Warri, Isaba Kingdom, Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, and Agbarha Warri Kingdom.
Addressing the gathering, Garba emphasized that the unity and peace of Warri must be preserved, warning against any actions or utterances that could trigger a repeat of the 2003/2004 ethnic crisis.
He cautioned all parties to rein in their youths and avoid inflammatory statements, particularly on social media platforms, noting that such actions could inflame tensions.
“There is no difference between the Ijaws, Itsekiris and the Urhobos,” the AIG said, adding, “we must see ourselves as one and work together for peace. Once a life is lost, it cannot be brought back.”
The AIG further maintained that any attempt to incite violence or resort to name-calling,vespecially terms such as “customary tenants” will no longer be tolerated.
He stressed that anyone found inciting unrest will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
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Earlier, Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, highlighted the existing tension among the three major ethnic groups—Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo, arising from INEC’s ongoing delineation exercise.
He explained that the intervention of the AIG was sought to prevent a further escalation of the problem and ensure a peaceful resolution.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including traditional leaders and the local government chairmen, echoed calls for peace, with all expressing a shared desire to avoid conflict.
They acknowledged that INEC’s delineation process is still ongoing and that the commission has invited feedback and inputs from all concerned communities.
At the end of the meeting, all parties pledged to work collaboratively to ensure peace and security within Warri Federal Constituency.
They committed to calling their youths to order and supporting efforts to restore economic prosperity in the region.
