...Convene emergency peace talks among warring communities
The Delta State Police Command has convened an emergency peace meeting involving leaders of Okuama, Okoloba and Akugbene communities in a bid to avert a fresh round of violence reminiscent of the 2024 Okuama crisis that led to the killing of 17 Nigerian soldiers.
The high-level engagement, held on December 1, 2025, at the Area Command in Warri, was prompted by rising tensions over boundary disputes, fishing rights and related hostilities along the waterways.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, who presided over the meeting, warned that the Command would not allow preventable conflicts to escalate into another national tragedy.
He described the intervention as a proactive effort to listen to grievances, mediate fairly and reinforce peaceful coexistence. He also cautioned that any breach of peace or resort to self-help would attract decisive police action.
Representatives from the three communities—including traditional heads, youth leaders and stakeholders—acknowledged the volatile situation and expressed gratitude for the timely police intervention, while reaffirming their willingness to cooperate for lasting peace.
After extensive deliberations, stakeholders resolved that no community should impose boundaries on waterways and that all individuals must be free to fish without harassment. Youths were cautioned against carrying arms, and parties agreed to follow up on their earlier request to the State Government regarding boundary adjustments.
The Command announced that DCP Operations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, will invite the affected LGA chairmen for further strategy review, while violators of the peace pact will be arrested and prosecuted.
A Peace Committee WhatsApp platform will also be created for early-warning communication. CP Abaniwonda lauded the communities for their maturity and assured that the Command will sustain intelligence-led policing to prevent violence and protect lives and property across Delta State.
