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In a decisive effort to douse rising ethnic tensions in Delta State over the suspended ward delineation exercise in Warri, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, on Thursday convened an emergency security meeting with key stakeholders from across the region.
The closed-door meeting, held at the AIG’s office in Benin City, was initiated following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. It aimed to preempt a breakdown of law and order among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities, who have voiced opposition to the draft delineation plan being proposed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In attendance were the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda; the Area Commander for Warri; chairmen of Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North local government areas; and representatives from prominent traditional and ethnic blocs, including the Gbaramatu Kingdom, the Palace of the Olu of Warri, Isaba Kingdom, Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, Agbarha Kingdom, and the Itsekiri ethnic group.
AIG Garba, in his opening remarks, emphasized the police’s neutral stance and reiterated the need for constructive dialogue. “The Nigeria Police Force is committed to peace, unity, and justice. We are here to ensure that grievances are addressed within the boundaries of the law. Violence is never an option,” he said.
CP Abaniwonda revealed that the rising tension in the region had necessitated his call for the AIG’s immediate intervention. “The INEC proposal, though in draft form, has stirred anxiety among communities. We must manage this proactively to preserve harmony in Warri, a city known for its diversity and rich cultural coexistence,” he stated.
The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to air their concerns, with many urging INEC to review its approach and adopt a more consultative process. Community leaders warned that any perceived ethnic bias in the delineation exercise could inflame passions and erode public trust.
At the end of the meeting, a joint communiqué was issued, calling for calm and encouraging continued engagement between ethnic representatives, security agencies, and INEC.
The development marks a critical step toward restoring confidence in the electoral process and ensuring peace in the multi-ethnic Warri region.
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