Delta News

Maritime University: Itsekiris planning attack on oil facilities, Ijaws-Okerenkoko community

Okerenkoko community in Gbaramatu kingdom, Delta State has called on the Federal Government, security agencies to take urgent action against the Itsekiri ethnic group on the 14 days ultimatum issued, alleging that the Itsekiris have planned attack on pipeline facilities, security personnel, and the Ijaws at the expiration.

This is coming after Niger Delta Omega, a group from the Itsekiri extraction yesterday issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to change the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko name,  threatening that failure to do so would result to attack on the Ijaws.

A statement jointly signed by Chief James Tangbowei, Chairman, and Comrade Ernest Bebenimibo, Secretary, Okerenkoko Federated Community says the call becomes imperative as reliable information reveals that some sponsored persons by notable Itsekiri leaders were planning to unleash attack at the expiration.

The duo said report also revealed the Itsekiris have put machineries in place to create chaotic atmosphere in Gbaramatu kingdom, stressing that this action was to make security operatives take over the kingdom.

They further alleged the Itsekiris were putting everything thing possible to prevent smooth takeoff of academic activities at the University.

While reiterating their commitment to ensuring a lasting peace in the region between the Ijaws and the Itsekiris, particularly towards attracting developments to the Niger Delta region, the duo called on the Federal Government and the security agencies not to take the threats likely.

They therefore advised Itsekiris whom they regarded as their neighbours not to be used by greedy merchants whose intention was to cause problems between the two ethnic groups, warning that the Ijaws would not fold their arms and allow a group of misguided element to deny them their rights to education.
“Our people will not fold their hands and allow a group of misguided element to deny them their rights to education as well as to benefit from other developmental projects embarked upon in the region. Should in case any attack is carried out against our people as well as executing any plans to stop the takeoff of the Maritime University, we will hold these notable Itsekiri leaders responsible, because so far, none of her leaders has condemned this unwarranted ultimatum.
“On this note, we advised our Itsekiri neighbours not to allow themselves to be used by greedy merchants whose stock in trade is to cause problems for their kith and kin, and in the heat of the escalation to abscond, thereby leaving their people to their own fate.” They said.


Support Quality Journalism in the Niger Delta Region

Join us in our mission to bring development journalism, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness to the forefront. Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta. Donate today and be a part of the change!

Leave feedback about this