News
Gbaramatu Kingdom Stakeholders Raise Alarm Over Threats to Ijaw Communities, Call for Government Intervention
By Ogheneyenrowo Tejiri
Stakeholders of the Gbaramatu Kingdom have raised serious concerns over alleged threats issued to the Ijaw communities of Ikantu and Ijaghala by individuals believed to be from the Itsekiri ethnic group.
The call for urgent intervention was made during a press briefing on Monday, June 16, by the Fiyewei (spokesperson) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama.
Chief Gbenekama condemned the threats and warned that the issue should not be taken lightly by either the state or federal government.
He said that residents of Ikantu and Ijaghala have been living under fear of eviction ever since discussions around the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency began.
“The Ijaw ethnic nationality remains a peaceful people and will continue to be so. But we will not fold our arms while our people are being harassed and threatened,” Gbenekama said.
According to him, community members have received repeated threats to leave their ancestral homes simply because of their ties to Gbaramatu Kingdom.
He stated unequivocally that the Ijaw people have no intention of fighting the Itsekiri, but warned that divine justice would prevail if harm comes to any indigene of Ikantu or Ijaghala.
“We the Ijaws will not fight the Itsekiri people, but they must leave the Ikantu and Ijaghala people alone,” he said. “We are peaceful people, but if any Ikantu or Ijaghala indigene is attacked because of their ancestral roots, the gods will fight for us.”
Chief Gbenekama cited the Nigerian Constitution, affirming that all citizens have the right to live anywhere in the country, including Ikantu and Ijaghala.
He appealed to those issuing threats to desist immediately and urged the government to act swiftly to prevent possible violence.
“There is freedom of speech, movement, and association in this country,” he said. “The threat alone is enough reason for the government to intervene and protect lives and property in these communities.”
The Fiyewei further appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to finalize the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency, saying the delay is detrimental to the affected communities.
“INEC, come and complete your work. There is peace in the Warri Federal Constituency—why is our case different? Ijaws will continue to call on God for help,” he stated.
Chief Gbenekama also called on the state government to investigate and apprehend alleged gun runners operating in the Warri axis, accusing them of stockpiling weapons with the intention of using them against the Ijaw people of Gbaramatu and other Ijaw kingdoms.
He urged all levels of government to prioritize the safety and constitutional rights of every Nigerian citizen, regardless of ethnic or geographic background.
Stakeholders of the Gbaramatu Kingdom have raised serious concerns over alleged threats issued to the Ijaw communities of Ikantu and Ijaghala by individuals believed to be from the Itsekiri ethnic group.
The call for urgent intervention was made during a press briefing on Monday, June 16, by the Fiyewei (spokesperson) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama.
Chief Gbenekama condemned the threats and warned that the issue should not be taken lightly by either the state or federal government.
He said that residents of Ikantu and Ijaghala have been living under fear of eviction ever since discussions around the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency began.
“The Ijaw ethnic nationality remains a peaceful people and will continue to be so. But we will not fold our arms while our people are being harassed and threatened,” Gbenekama said.
According to him, community members have received repeated threats to leave their ancestral homes simply because of their ties to Gbaramatu Kingdom.
He stated unequivocally that the Ijaw people have no intention of fighting the Itsekiri, but warned that divine justice would prevail if harm comes to any indigene of Ikantu or Ijaghala.
“We the Ijaws will not fight the Itsekiri people, but they must leave the Ikantu and Ijaghala people alone,” he said. “We are peaceful people, but if any Ikantu or Ijaghala indigene is attacked because of their ancestral roots, the gods will fight for us.”
Chief Gbenekama cited the Nigerian Constitution, affirming that all citizens have the right to live anywhere in the country, including Ikantu and Ijaghala.
He appealed to those issuing threats to desist immediately and urged the government to act swiftly to prevent possible violence.
“There is freedom of speech, movement, and association in this country,” he said. “The threat alone is enough reason for the government to intervene and protect lives and property in these communities.”
The Fiyewei further appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to finalize the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency, saying the delay is detrimental to the affected communities.
“INEC, come and complete your work. There is peace in the Warri Federal Constituency—why is our case different? Ijaws will continue to call on God for help,” he stated.
Chief Gbenekama also called on the state government to investigate and apprehend alleged gun runners operating in the Warri axis, accusing them of stockpiling weapons with the intention of using them against the Ijaw people of Gbaramatu and other Ijaw kingdoms.
He urged all levels of government to prioritize the safety and constitutional rights of every Nigerian citizen, regardless of ethnic or geographic background.
