By By George Tamaragbabrapa Mulade-Sheriff
COMRADE George Tamaragbabrapa Mulade-Sheriff, an undergraduate student and peace advocate, has called for urgent measures to address escalating tensions among the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw communities in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.
The growing strain, compounded by recent incidents, poses a significant threat to the stability and peace of the region.
Warri has a long history of ethnic contestations, some of which date back to the colonial and immediate post-independence eras when political decisions redefined traditional boundaries and interests. The crisis of the mid-1990s, which saw violent clashes between the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities over land and resource control, remains a painful reference point.
Despite repeated peace-building efforts, these tensions have persisted, often resurfacing around issues such as local elections, resource distribution, and political representation.
Mulade-Sheriff identified key drivers of the present unease as follows:
Political Representation: Concerns over equitable political participation, with ethnic groups expressing fears of marginalisation.
Resource Control: Disputes over oil and natural gas resources, particularly questions of ownership and revenue allocation.
Cultural Identity: Deep-seated grievances rooted in history and culture, which are sometimes amplified during political contests.
He warned that unchecked tensions could lead to humanitarian crises, economic disruption, and security challenges, threatening the social fabric of Warri and its environs.
To prevent escalation, Mulade-Sheriff urged both the state and federal governments, alongside community leaders, to take coordinated action. He recommended:
Inclusive Dialogue: Establishing platforms where all stakeholders can openly air grievances and seek common ground.
Equitable Power Sharing: Ensuring fair political and resource representation across ethnic groups.
Enhanced Security: Deploying security personnel in a way that fosters trust and cooperation with local communities.
Public Awareness: Promoting unity and tolerance through education and sensitisation campaigns.
He stressed that the stability of Warri is vital not only for Delta State but for Nigeria as a whole, adding that swift, collective action is essential to prevent further violence and restore lasting peace.
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