POLICE CONNIVING WITH ITSEKIRI TO THREATEN PEACE IN WARRI – IYC

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has accused the Warri Area Command of conniving with members of the Itsekiri ethnic group to oppress the Ijaw people and threaten the fragile peace in Warri.

The allegation follows the removal of banners bearing the image of HRM King Couple Oromoni, the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, by Itsekiri youths allegedly in the company of police officers from the command.

The incident sparked protests as Ijaw youths marched to the Area Command headquarters, demanding the immediate retrieval and replacement of the banners.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Comrade Nicholas Tamaradenyefa Igarama (Chairman), Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo (Secretary), and Comrade Tare Magbei (Information Officer), the IYC accused the police of fueling division and aiding the desecration of their revered king’s image.

The Council alleged that the act was masterminded by the Olu of Itsekiri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Warri South Council Chairman, Agbateyiniro Isaac Weyinmi, describing it as a deliberate provocation and a decoy to ignite ethnic unrest.

          “This condemnable act is masterminded by one Wayemi Agas, the Warri South Council Chairman, who perpetrated the act on the orders of the Itsekiri hierarchy.

> As peace-loving and law-abiding citizens, we view this action as a direct provocation and a calculated attempt to ignite ethnic tension in Warri. The removal of our king’s image is not only an insult to the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom but also a violation of the fragile peace that stakeholders have struggled to sustain in the area.”

   A Call for Intervention

The IYC urged the Delta State Government, security agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and call the Warri South Council Chairman and Itsekiri leadership to order.

While reaffirming their commitment to peace, the IYC warned that their restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.

            “The Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom has consistently maintained peaceful relations with its neighbors, despite repeated provocations. We will not be forced into conflict, but no one should mistake our commitment to peace as weakness. Any further attempt to desecrate the image or authority of our traditional ruler will be met with stiff resistance."

     Demands

The IYC concluded by demanding:

A public apology from those responsible.

Assurance from the Warri Area Command that such actions will not be repeated.

The statement was signed by: