Meinbutus condemns unprovoked attack on Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom Communities by Itsekiri youth, calls for calm

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The Ijaw Warri Kingdom federated community under the umbrella of Meinbutus has seriously condemned the unprovoked gun attack on peace loving Olabrakopre and Ogbokone Communities by their Itsekiri neighbors, describing the act as cowardice and foolishness, stating that no responsible person or group of persons would want to go into war with their neighbors for INEC delineation exercise that was completely government affairs whose process was earlier affirmed to be credible by all stakeholders in Warri and its environs.

Arising from stakeholders meeting on Thursday Afternoon, the National president of Meinbutus federated community Mr Ekaye Amakiye said the various Ijaw Warri communities met to deliberate on the Wednesday night unprovoked attack of some Ijaw communities, Olabrakopre and Ogbokone by suspected Itsekiri youths.

(Use ammunition by the attackers)

He said the deliberations were fruitful and peaceful, adding that despite the attacks being ill-timed and provocative there was no plan for retaliation and that the stakeholders agreed to maintain the existing peace in Warri and its environs. “We are ready to work with our governor, Gov Sheriff Oborevwori to bring more development to Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom. We are seeing the good works of our governor and wants him to bring more development to us and not unhealthy war”.

The statement reads, “there was a sporadic shooting by the Itsekiri people in our communities but thank God there were no casualties. All Meinbutus Warri Urban sub-communities leaders are just arising from an all-inclusive stakeholders meeting at Olabrakopre community hall.

We had successful and peaceful deliberations.

Though, we frown seriously at the unprovoked attacks. But decided to remain peaceful. Ijaw is peace loving people. We urge our neighbors to learn from the previous Warri crisis and imbibe in peace. Ijaw is not ready for any ethnic crisis in Warri. This is not because we are afraid of war. We have asked our people to remain calm and continue to be at peace with their neighbors.

“We appeal to the governor of Delta and security agents to look into the gun assault on Ijaw people in Warri and ensure that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to justice. We cannot continue to live in fear and danger in our own community. The government and security agencies have the responsibility to protect the lives and properties of the citizens, and we demand that they fulfill this duty.

“We also implore our youths to refrain from any form of violence and channel their energy towards more productive endeavors. Violence only breeds destruction and we do not want to see our beloved Warri destroyed by senseless acts of aggression.

In conclusion, we stand firm in our resolve to remain peaceful and united as a people. We will not be intimidated by any misguided individuals who seek to disrupt the peace and harmony in Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom.

“We call on all stakeholders and our Itsekiri neighbors to join us in promoting peace and unity in the entire Warri and Delta State. Let us reject violence and work together towards a brighter and safer future for Warri and Delta State”, they added.