The umbrella body of youths in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, the Gbaramatu Youth Council (GYC), has called for an immediate investigation into an alleged invasion of Makaraba Field in the Kingdom, following reports that a youth is missing and several others were injured from the incident.

In a statement issued and signed on Thursday (October 22, 2026) by the GYC President, Mr. Kingsley E. Arerebo; Public Relations Officer chief Wuruyai Maxwell Ebilade; and Secretary Erike Tarike Raphael, the Council said it "views this incident, carried out under the guise of a protest, as a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of Gbaramatu Kingdom."

Narrating what transpired that led to the reported incident, it said a group of youths purportedly from Ifie-kporo community entered the Makaraba Field at about 10:00a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, obstructed the creek's access to the community and attacked Gbaramatu youths who were in the location, leading to one person being unaccounted for.

The Council identified the reported missing youth as Okpoye Simeon and urged community leaders, relevant parties and security agencies to cooperate in efforts to establish his whereabouts.

"The Council considers these extremely serious and calls for an immediate, impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, locate the missing persons, and bring anyone found responsible to justice," it said.

The youth body also called for assistance for those reportedly injured in the incident as the victims sustained serious wounds from the alleged attackers.

On the Makaraba Field, the GYC stated that it had operated for decades without any known litigation involving Ifie-kporo community, adding that it rejected the use of force or unlawful entry to interfere with the Field’s operations.

The Council linked its concern to a reported attack on an Ijaw community, Akpata community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, in May 2025, allegedly involving some Itsekiri youths, warning thatt repeated incidents of sort could threaten peace and heighten tensions between neighbouring communities in the area.

"It is particularly troubling that this incident comes against the backdrop of the reported attack on Akpata community in Gbaramatu Kingdom on 24 May 2025, allegedly involving some Itsekiri youths. The Council is concerned that repeated incidents of this nature could undermine the fragile peace in the area and escalate tensions between neighbouring communities," the GYC noted.

The GYC also called on the Delta State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Department of State Services and other relevant agencies to investigate the incident, help locate the missing youth and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable under the law.

While describing Gbaramatu people as peace-loving and committed to peaceful coexistence, the Council cautioned that this commitment should not be mistaken for unwillingness to protect the community, and warned against further trespassing, intimidation or violence in Gbaramatu communities.

The Makaraba Field is a major conventional oil and gas field located onshore within Gbaramatu Kingdom, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), which holds a 40% stake, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) holds the remaining 60%. The Field consists of extensive oil assets, including the vital Makaraba Flow Station and multiple active oil wells such as Wells 24 and 25.