By Ovasa Ogaga,
The Gbaramatu Kingdom has raised a strong alarm over alleged threats against Ijaw communities in Ikantu and Ijaghala, calling on both the federal and Delta State governments to intervene swiftly.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Monday, the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, warned that members of the Ijaw ethnic group in the two communities are facing increasing threats of eviction from individuals suspected to be of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.
“We will not fight the Itsekiris, but they must leave Ikantu and Ijaghala people alone,” Gbenekama declared. “The Ijaw people are peaceful, but if any indigene is attacked simply because they trace their ancestry to Gbaramatu, God will fight for us.”
Chief Gbenekama stressed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to reside in any part of the country, including Ikantu and Ijaghala. He urged those issuing threats to respect this fundamental right.
The traditional leader emphasized that the threats are a serious security concern that warrant immediate response from the relevant authorities.
“Even a threat alone is enough reason for government action,” he said, referencing similar national tragedies like the killings in Benue State.
Chief Gbenekama also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the lingering delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency, asserting that continued delay is unjust to the Ijaw people.
“There is peace in Warri Federal Constituency. INEC, come and finish your job. Why is our own different?” he asked.
He further urged the state government to investigate and apprehend alleged gunrunners in the area, claiming they were stockpiling weapons with the intent to unleash violence on Ijaw communities in Gbaramatu and beyond.
