Warri Peace Drive: CEPEJ Unites Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Sets Up 20-Member Committee

The Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has intensified efforts to address recurring ethnic tensions in Warri Federal Constituency by convening a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence among Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities in Delta State.

The multi-stakeholder roundtable, held at King George Hall in Warri South Local Government Area, drew participation from traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society organisations, market leaders and representatives of various ethnic nationalities resident in Warri.

Among the communities represented were Okere Urhobo Kingdom, Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom and several Itsekiri communities. Non-indigene groups including Igbo, Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Kogi-Igala and Isoko residents also participated in the dialogue.

Speaking at the event, CEPEJ National Coordinator and Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, said the initiative aligns with the organisation’s long-standing commitment to fostering peace and stability in Warri and its environs.

Mulade identified “conflict investors” and “conflict beneficiaries” as the two major drivers of violence in contemporary society. He noted that although disagreements may arise, stakeholders must work collectively to reduce tensions and make violence an unattractive option.

He emphasised the need to build on the existing harmony within Warri Federal Constituency, commending the active involvement of women and leaders from both indigene and non-indigene communities.

“Warri Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo are one. We have lived together peacefully before, and we can strengthen that bond. Warri belongs to all of us,” he said.

The dialogue also featured a keynote address by Dr. Austin Onuoha, Adjunct Faculty at the National Peace Academy, Abuja, who called on all ethnic nationalities to prioritise unity and shared responsibility as the foundation for sustainable peace.

Security officials present included SP Musa Yau-Kangiwa, DPO ‘A’ Division, Warri; ASP Hezekiah Okpabi of ‘B’ Division; and ASP Obehi Idiake, Station Officer, ‘A’ Division. Civil society leaders in attendance were Prof. Andrew Agboro, Chairman of Delta State Civil Society Organisations, and Sylvester Okoh, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Warri Peace Community Support Initiative.

A unity drama performance underscoring the importance of coexistence among Warri’s diverse ethnic groups was one of the highlights of the programme.

The event concluded with the inauguration of a 20-member Warri Indigenes and Residents Peacebuilding Committee (WIRPC), comprising representatives from Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo and non-indigene communities.

Mulade explained that the committee has been mandated to deepen engagement among stakeholders, de-escalate emerging tensions and sustain dialogue across communities over the next year, with the goal of achieving measurable progress in peacebuilding efforts.