Former Niger Delta militant leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed for peace and restraint following the ongoing occupation of oil and gas facilities in the Escravos and Warri River areas by protesting women and youths from several Niger Delta communities.
In a press statement issued from Oporoza Town in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Tompolo acknowledged the widespread concern generated by the protests, which reportedly began on June 8, 2026.
According to him, many Nigerians have continued to call for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, a position he fully supports.
“Since the 8th of June 2026, we are all living witnesses to the mass action by peaceful women and youths from our various communities occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas,” he stated.
The protests are linked to dissatisfaction over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) failure to conclude the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency, an issue that has sparked political tension among ethnic groups in the area.
Tomopolo stressed that the Ijaw people have historically maintained a peaceful disposition and should not allow the current situation to descend into violence.
“The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for their peaceful ways and we cannot deviate from our history,” he said.
He warned against any attempt by individuals or groups to hijack the protests or escalate tensions in the oil-rich region.
“The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or to degenerate into violence of any sort,” the statement added.
Tomopolo also called for an urgent meeting of community leaders to chart a peaceful way forward and urged residents across ethnic divides to remain calm while awaiting action from INEC.
“We call on the people of Warri, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to be calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing,” he appealed.
The Niger Delta region has historically experienced tensions tied to political representation, resource control, and oil infrastructure, making calls for peace particularly significant amid the latest developments.
