Stakeholders of Gbaramatu Kingdom have appealed to both the federal and Delta State governments to intervene in response to alleged threats issued against Ijaw residents in Ikantu and Ijaghala communities by individuals believed to be of Itsekiri descent.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, June 16, 2025, the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, condemned the threats and called for urgent action to ensure the safety of the affected communities.
Chief Gbenekama emphasized that the Ijaw people are peaceful and law-abiding citizens. He expressed concern that since the issue of constituency delineation became a subject of public discourse, residents of Ikantu and Ijaghala have been subjected to threats of eviction.
“We, the Ijaw people, will not engage in conflict with our Itsekiri neighbors, but we insist that they leave the people of Ikantu and Ijaghala alone,” he stated. “If any harm comes to our people because of their ancestral link to Gbaramatu, we believe divine justice will prevail.”
Citing constitutional rights, Chief Gbenekama noted that every Nigerian has the freedom to live, move, and associate anywhere in the country—including Ikantu and Ijaghala.
“The mere issuance of these threats is enough reason for government intervention. The safety of lives and property in these communities must be a top priority,” he added.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the long-overdue delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency, insisting that peace has returned to the area and that further delays are unjustified.
“INEC must finish its job. There is peace in Warri Federal Constituency, so why is our case different?” Chief Gbenekama questioned. “We, the Ijaw people, will continue to call on God to guide and protect us.”
In a final appeal, he urged the state government to identify and apprehend alleged gunrunners within the Warri Federal Constituency, warning that these individuals may be arming themselves against the Ijaw communities of Gbaramatu and beyond.
