The Delta State Police Command has moved swiftly to calm rising tensions among the Okwama, Okoloba, and Akugbene communities, holding a high-level peace meeting on Monday, to address long-standing disputes over boundaries and fishing rights.
The meeting was confirmed in a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, who explained that the intervention became necessary following emerging security concerns that threatened the stability of the riverine region.
The peace dialogue, held at the Area Command in Warri, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, and security stakeholders. Presiding over the meeting, Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda warned that the Command would not hesitate to take action against anyone attempting to disturb public order through avoidable communal conflicts.
According to him, the gathering was a proactive step aimed at hearing all sides, mediating fairly, and discouraging any form of self-help. He reaffirmed the Police Command’s commitment to maintaining harmony and vowed that decisive action would be taken against troublemakers.
Delegates from the three communities including the acting President General of Okwama; the Okoloba delegation led by Dr. David; and traditional and youth leaders from Akugbene expressed appreciation for the police intervention. They acknowledged that the root of the recurring tensions lies mainly in boundary disagreements and fishing activities. Additional contributions came from Pastor Edewor, Okoloba Youth President Prince, Chief Okoloko Tata of Akugbene, Comrade Cletus, and Aaron Young of Okwama, all of whom shared insights on rebuilding trust among the communities.
After thorough discussions, the communities reached several key resolutions aimed at preventing future conflict. Leaders agreed to caution their youths against carrying arms during fishing expeditions and to avoid provocative behavior that could spark violence. It was also unanimously resolved that no community should restrict access to waterways and that all residents must be allowed to fish freely without intimidation. Stakeholders further committed to diligently pursuing an earlier petition submitted to the state government regarding boundary adjustments.
As part of the follow-up process, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, will invite the chairmen of the affected local government areas for another meeting with the Commissioner of Police. This session will focus on monitoring activities along the waterways in line with agreements reached during the 2024 Government House Annexe meeting. The Police also emphasized that anyone who violates the peace agreements or engages in actions capable of breaching public order will face arrest and prosecution. To enhance communication and early-warning efforts, a Peace Committee WhatsApp group will be created for the communities.
Commissioner Abaniwonda praised all participants for their maturity, cooperation, and willingness to embrace dialogue. He assured them that the Command would continue to adopt intelligence-driven and community-focused strategies to sustain peace, urging the communities to uphold the resolutions reached.
The Police Command also encouraged residents across Delta State to remain vigilant and continue promoting peaceful coexistence in their various communities.
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