By IN response to mounting tensions over the ongoing ward delineation exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Warri, Delta State, the Nigeria Police have called on community leaders and stakeholders to rein in their youths and avoid actions that could trigger unrest in the area.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, made the appeal during a crucial security meeting held on Wednesday, with key stakeholders from Warri and surrounding communities.
The meeting, convened at the instance of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D, was aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order and ensuring the continued peace and security of Warri.
It drew a broad representation, including Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda; the Area Commander Warri; the chairmen of Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North LGAs; as well as representatives from the Gbaramatu Kingdom, the Palace of the Olu of Warri, Isaba Kingdom, Itsekiri, Okere-Urhobo, Ogbe-Ijoh, and Agbarha Warri Kingdoms.
CP Abaniwonda, who opened the meeting, expressed concern over the friction among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups, which he said had been fuelled by INEC’s delineation exercise.
He disclosed that he had requested the support of the Zone 5 AIG to mediate and forestall any escalation of tensions.
In his remarks, AIG Garba reminded the stakeholders of the devastating impact of the 2003/2004 Warri crisis and warned against a repeat.
He urged all ethnic groups to promote peaceful coexistence, control their youths, and refrain from making provocative statements, especially on social media.
“We must understand that the loss of any life is irreversible. No group should refer to another as ‘customary tenants’ or engage in any form of ethnic slur.
Those caught instigating violence will be arrested and prosecuted,” the AIG warned.
Speakers representing various kingdoms and ethnic interests echoed calls for peace and unity, stressing that the delineation process was still in draft form and that INEC had invited feedback from all concerned parties.
The meeting ended with a unanimous resolution by all parties to maintain the fragile peace in Warri, guide their youths accordingly, and work together towards restoring stability and economic prosperity in the region.
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