JUST IN: “Call Itsekiris To Order To Avoid A Repeat Of 1997/2003 Warri Crisis”__Warri Ijaw Stakeholders Warns Delta Gov’t -

By Esther David

The Warri Ijaw Stakeholders, led by Chairman Tariwei Goodman Ebi and Secretary Ebiwie Godfrey, have raised a strong alarm over renewed provocations that could ignite another round of ethnic crisis similar to the dark days of 1997–2003 in Warri.

In the past, what began as a minor misunderstanding quickly escalated when Itsekiri youths attacked Ijaws living in Market Road, Warri; Ijaws in Sapele; and workers with CGG, a seismic company operating in Koko, Kolokolo, and other Warri North communities. Those acts of aggression spiraled into a full-blown conflict that claimed lives and destroyed properties across the region.

Sadly, disturbing signs of history repeating itself are already visible. Just last night, in Uton, Sapele Local Government Area, the house of an Ijaw man was burnt down, allegedly by Itsekiri elements. Even more alarming, reliable sources confirmed that Itsekiri youths, heavily armed, were seen at Market Road in Warri openly displaying weapons without being challenged. This reckless behavior is a dangerous reminder of how the previous crisis spread from Warri South West into Sapele and Warri North.

The Warri Ijaw Stakeholders have therefore called on the Delta State Government, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently caution the Itsekiris and act decisively to prevent further escalation. According to them, failure to address these early warning signals could plunge Delta State into another destructive conflict.

“We are preaching peace today; that doesn’t mean we are afraid of conflict. When it happens, the repercussions will be severe,” they warned.

They further alleged that the Itsekiris have been looking for opportunities to cause crisis since the proposed INEC ward and unit delineation report. If anything happens, the Warri South Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, and the Olu should be held accountable.

The group stressed that peace and stability in Warri can only be achieved when all ethnic groups are treated with fairness, justice, and mutual respect.

A stitch in time saves nine.

Signed:

Tariwei Goodman Ebi
Chairman

Ebiwie Godfrey
Secretary.