From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Leaders representing the Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Warri, Delta State, yesterday, urged the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the recent arrest of some persons, including a serving British Army officer, suspected of illegally importing arms aimed at inciting unrest within the Warri Federal Constituency.
Addressing a joint press conference in Warri, the leaders alleged that the attempt to smuggle weapons was part of a plot to disrupt the Supreme Court-mandated process of redrawing electoral wards and polling units.
The statement, read by Olorogun Victor Okumagba and supported by Hon. Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, was signed by prominent ethnic leaders, including Comrade Sheriff Mulade, Hon. (Chief) Arthur Akpodubakaye, Joel Bisina, Comrade Emmanuel Igetei (Urhobo), Chief John Eranvor, Hon. Mark Ikpuri, and Chief Westham Adehor.
They pointed out that a traditional ruler from Warri Federal Constituency and his close aides are allegedly involved in this arms conspiracy, and that these individuals have yet to deny their involvement despite several days passing.
The leaders maintained that the Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Warri are primary targets of those behind the arms stockpiling, which they view as an attempt to destabilize Warri.
They expressed appreciation for the DSS and security agencies’ efforts in making arrests but insisted that the investigation must be comprehensive and impartial, regardless of the suspects’ social or political status.
They called for the Federal Government to be transparent and accountable in handling the case, stressing the importance of regional and national security.
Furthermore, they urged the National Security Adviser to ensure the investigation’s integrity and demanded an official government response regarding the illegal arms’ presence and potential for inciting violence in Warri.
“The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri call for detailed investigation and prosecution of the those behind this act of terrorism, irrespective of the position and class of the persons involved. We demand that, under no circumstances should this matter be swept under the carpet considering its grave implications on regional and national security.
“The office of the National Security Adviser is called upon to be transparent in the investigation and prosecution of the culprits. We demand that the Nigerian people, especially the people and residents of Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State deserve to have an official reaction from the government of Nigeria on the issue of illegal stockpiling of arms to instigate crisis in Warri”.
The leaders also responded to recent developments concerning the ongoing process of electoral ward and polling unit redefinition, mandated by the Supreme Court, which has sparked concerns over peace and security in the state.
They commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efforts to comply with the court order but criticized attempts by the Itsekiri ethnic group to hinder the process by proposing to use the existing voter register for delineation—an approach they oppose.
They argued that since the new delineation is based on population and physical considerations, the old voter register should not be used, and INEC should adhere strictly to legal guidelines.
“We equivocally oppose the agitation for the use of non-existent register of voters as basis to carry out the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. The agitation is against the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC Guidelines dated the 21st day of March, 2024 and the essence of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units.
“The primary consideration for the delineation of electoral wards and polling units is the population quota/number of inhabitants and other physical consideration of the areas concerned”.
The leaders accused some Itsekiri groups of attempting to blackmail INEC and incite unrest by false claims and media attacks, asserting that such actions threaten the stability of the Delta region.
They condemned threats made by certain Yoruba groups and warned that any acts of sabotage, including attacks on national assets or attempts to disrupt oil operations, should be classified as terrorism, with perpetrators prosecuted accordingly.
The leaders further called on President Bola Tinubu to resist pressure from ethnic factions attempting to derail the Supreme Court’s order, warning that any efforts to obstruct the delineation process could lead to chaos and undermine national security.
They also cautioned against revisiting past conflicts, such as the 1997-2003 Warri crisis, which was exacerbated by previous attempts to alter demographic balances in the area.
“The Federal Government should be reminded that the relocation of the Headquarters of Warri South West Local Government Area from Ogbe-Ijoh to Ogidigben, which was instigated by the Itsekiris led to the fratricidal war in Warri from 1997 to 2003 which snowballed into the Niger Delta crisis. Therefore, we warn against any attempt to change the Ijaw and Urhobo majority status in Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South Local Government Areas, respectively as revealed by the INEC report of its fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units,” they added.