National President of the Niger Delta Youth Council, Bene Mamamu, has called on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu as well as all the security agencies to “wade into the brewing unrest between the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities in Warri, Delta State”
The call was contained in a statement issued by the youth leader on Tuesday following palpable tension that gripped some areas in Warri metropolis on the heels of allegations that Itsekiri youths were behind the vandalization of the banners placed around the metropolis showcasing the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the monarch of Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri Kingdom, HRM Couple Mackson Oromoni, Monbene III.
The banners, which were prominently displayed in various locations around Warri, were intended to commemorate a decade of leadership under Monbene III, who has been a pivotal figure in promoting peace and development in the region.
It was gathered that the removal of these banners has not only angered the Ijaws but has also drawn the attention of the public.
In the signed statement made available to journalists in Warri, Mamamu stoutly condemned the unilateral removal of the banners, an action which he allegedly attributed to the Itsekiris.
He maintained that “care must be taken to prevent another bloody crisis in the land” describing the act as “a blatant disrespect to the traditional institution and a provocation that could lead to further unrest”.
He “warned Itsekiris against further move to provoke Ijaws in Warri into another bloody crisis
According to him, “This is not just an attack on the banners; it is an attack on our culture, our heritage, and our identity as a people. We will not stand by and allow such acts of attack to go unchallenged”.
He added, “The moves which were aimed at truncating the 10th Coronation Anniversary of HRM Couple MacksonOromoni, Monbene III, the monarch of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, will be resisted, and met with commensurate action”.
The youth leader then called on MalamNuhuRibadu, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu as well as security agencies across the country to “take immediate notice of the situation”.
He emphasized that “the alleged action of the Itsekiri people, who were reportedly behind the removal of the banners, could be interpreted as a declaration of war against the Ogbe-Ijoh people in Warri Kingdom, Delta State”.
“This is a critical moment for peace and unity in the Niger Delta. We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue rather than resorting to violence. The youth of the Niger Delta are tired of conflicts. We want development, peace, and a future where our voices are heard”, Mamamu posited.
