Warri North Chairman Debunks Ethnic Crisis Rumours, Urges Residents to Remain Calm

The Executive Chairman of Warri North Local Government Council, Hon. Festus Ashima, has dismissed reports of an alleged ethnic conflict between Ijaw and Itsekiri communities in the area, assuring residents that peace and security remain intact across the local government.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ashima described as false and misleading the rumours circulating on social media suggesting that Ijaw and Itsekiri communities were engaged in hostilities, forcing residents to flee their homes over fears of attacks.

He said the claims were the handiwork of mischief-makers determined to create unnecessary tension, fear and panic among the people.

“There is no crisis anywhere in Warri North. The rumour being circulated is completely false and should be disregarded by all well-meaning residents,” the chairman stated.

Ashima assured residents that security agencies had been fully deployed across the local government area and were actively monitoring the situation to ensure the continued maintenance of law and order.

He urged Ijaw and Itsekiri youths to use social media responsibly by promoting peace, unity and harmonious coexistence, rather than spreading unverified information capable of inciting fear and ethnic distrust.

The chairman warned that individuals found spreading false information would be held accountable, adding that security agencies had already commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the rumours.

Emphasizing the long-standing relationship between the two ethnic groups, Ashima noted that the Ijaw and Itsekiri people have coexisted peacefully for generations and should not allow divisive narratives to undermine their shared history.

“Ijaw and Itsekiri people are brothers and sisters who have lived together for years in peace, mutual respect and shared humanity. There is no threat from the Ijaw to the Itsekiri, and there is no threat from the Itsekiri to the Ijaw,” he said.

He called on residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear, assuring them that the council, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, had put adequate measures in place to safeguard lives and property across all communities.

Ashima also appealed to residents who may have relocated due to the rumours to return home, stressing that there was no security threat in any part of Warri North.

“The security of our people is guaranteed. There is no crisis anywhere in Warri North. We urge everyone to remain calm, stay vigilant and disregard this mischievous rumour in its entirety,” he added.

The council chairman further called on community leaders, youth groups, opinion leaders and other stakeholders to support ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening peace, unity and mutual understanding among all ethnic groups in the area.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining the peaceful atmosphere for which Warri North is known and warned against any attempt to sow division or incite ethnic hostility within the council area.