Ijaw Leader Alleges Shooting of Four Youths in Warri, Warns Against Renewed Crisis

The Fiowei (Spokesman) of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, has alleged that four Ijaw youths were shot and injured in Warri on Tuesday, September 16, during a clash with their Itsekiri counterparts.

Speaking in an interview with journalists on Wednesday, Chief Gbenekama said one of the victims was in critical condition, warning that continued hostilities between the two ethnic groups could destabilize the state’s economy.

“True to their actions, four Ijaw youths were attacked and shot by Itsekiris. That guy will not survive. This is the third time they are shooting at Ijaws and Urhobos. We leaders who witnessed past wars know what war brought to Warri. When there’s war here, the economy of Delta and even Nigeria suffers,” he said.

Gbenekama accused security agencies of bias, alleging that the police aided suspected Itsekiri youths in removing banners of the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, HRM Monbene III, during his 10th coronation anniversary. He described the act as a desecration of the royal throne and a deliberate provocation.

He further criticized what he called “crisis entrepreneurs” within the security system, claiming that their actions fuel unrest in Warri Federal Constituency. He also questioned the silence of the state government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, contrasting it with the interventionist style of former Governor James Ibori, who, he said, always acted to prevent escalation.

“The government knows those people have arms and allowed them to walk freely to attack Ogbe-Ijoh people. If the police have been bought over, is the Army also bought over?” he asked.

Chief Gbenekama also linked the unrest to delays in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, alleging that some Itsekiri leaders sought to disrupt the process. He urged INEC to remain impartial, stressing that voter registration and polling should not be conflated with land ownership disputes.

The Gbaramatu spokesman warned that while Ijaw people were capable of defending themselves, they remained committed to peace and disarmament under the amnesty programme. He called on the Federal and State Governments to caution the Olu of Warri and local security agencies, particularly the DPO of “A” Division, whom he accused of bias.

“We don’t want crisis, but we will not accept continued provocation. Warri belongs to everyone, not one ethnic group. The Federal Government must direct the Delta State Government on what to do, because it appears Governor Oborevwori does not know what he is doing,” he declared.

Chief Gbenekama, however, appealed to Ijaw and Urhobo youths to remain calm and not allow provocations to derail the delineation exercise, which he described as crucial to peace and fair representation.