By Obinna Uballa
Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths, a socio-cultural organisation, has accused some individuals from Ogbe-Ijoh in Delta State of attempting to unlawfully claim parts of Warri South Local Government Area, describing the move as a “territorial affront.”
In a statement signed by its Vice President, Mrs. Tasye Mene, the group said the Ijaw community has no legitimate claim to the area, noting that they had repeatedly lost legal battles over the land since 1964, most recently in 2012 and 2020.
The group alleged that Ogbe-Ijoh elements defied court rulings by mounting banners in Warri South LGA under the guise of celebrating the coronation anniversary of their monarch in Warri South-West LGA. The move, they argued, amounted to provocation and a calculated attempt to rewrite historical and administrative boundaries.
Mene further alleged that the situation escalated into an “unprovoked assault” on the Warri South Local Government Secretariat and Ekurede Itsekiri community, insisting such acts were an affront to civil order and dignity of the Itsekiri people.
“Every reasonable Deltan knows that the Ijaw have no place in Warri South Local Government Area,” the statement read. “We are resolute and prepared to defend our homeland — not out of appetite for conflict but out of duty to safeguard our people, our institutions, and our heritage.”
The group said it would pursue all lawful measures, including civil and criminal proceedings against perpetrators, and called on security agencies to act decisively. It also urged the Delta State government to restore order and prevent further escalation.
While reaffirming commitment to peace, the Itsekiri youths warned that any further attempts to violate the territorial integrity of Warri South would be met with a “proportionate, lawful, and coordinated response.”
