The Delta State Police Command has brokered a crucial peace meeting involving leaders and representatives of the Okwama, Okoloba and Akugbene communities in a bid to defuse rising tensions linked to boundary disputes, fishing rights and other communal disagreements.
According to a press release signed by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the meeting, held on 1 December 2025 at the Area Command Headquarters in Warri, was convened at the instance of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda. Community leaders, youth representatives, traditional authorities and security stakeholders attended the session, which centred on preventing hostilities and restoring lasting harmony.
In his address, CP Abaniwonda stressed that the Command would not allow avoidable conflicts to disrupt peace and security in the state. He described the engagement as a proactive intervention aimed at ensuring fairness, listening to all sides and reinforcing peaceful coexistence. The CP further warned that any resort to violence or unlawful self-help would attract decisive police action.
Representatives from the affected communities, including the Ag. President General of Okwama, leaders of the Okoloba delegation led by Dr David, and stakeholders from Akugbene welcomed the Police Command’s timely intervention. They acknowledged that the core of the crisis stemmed from unresolved boundary issues and fishing rights. They also expressed readiness to work collaboratively to maintain peace. Other contributors, such as Pastor Edewor, Mr. Prince (Youth President, Okoloba), Chief Okoloko Tata (Akugbene), Comrade Cletus (Akugbene) and Aaron Young (Okwama), shared insights on restoring trust and enhancing inter-community relations.
At the end of deliberations, several resolutions were adopted. The communities agreed to caution their youths against carrying arms during fishing activities and to refrain from any actions that could incite violence. It was unanimously resolved that no community should impose boundaries on waterways and that all persons must be allowed to fish freely without intimidation. Stakeholders also agreed to follow up on the petition earlier submitted to the State Government on boundary adjustments to ensure due consideration.
The meeting further resolved that DCP Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, will summon the Chairmen of the affected Local Government Areas for a follow-up session with the Commissioner of Police. This engagement will review monitoring strategies along the waterways in line with agreements reached during the 2024 Government House Annexe meeting. The Command also stated that any individual or group found violating the resolutions will be arrested and prosecuted. To enhance communication and promote early-warning responses, a Peace Committee WhatsApp platform will be created for Okwama and Okoloba representatives.
CP Abaniwonda commended the participants for their maturity and commitment to peace. He reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to intelligence-driven, community-focused policing aimed at preventing violence and protecting residents across the state. He appealed to all parties to uphold the resolutions and embrace dialogue as the most effective path to sustainable peace.
