The Gbaramatu Youth Council (GYC), through the Gbaramatu Youth Security Council (GYSC), has raised concerns over what it described as emerging threats capable of destabilising the fragile peace in Warri Federal Constituency and parts of the Western Niger Delta, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to remain vigilant against actions capable of igniting fresh crisis in the area, while rejecting online reports alleging that Gbaramatu youths kidnapped and tortured some Itsekiri youths, describing the allegations as false, inflammatory and capable of worsening ethnic relations.

The call was contained in a memorandum signed for the GYSC by Mr Arerebo Kingsley (President, GYC) and Chief Wuruyai Ebilade Maxwell (Public Relations Officer, GYC) during the Council's Emergency Meeting which held in Zou Ala Iba (Zaghala) Community Town Hall in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Addressing journalists, community leaders and stakeholders, the Council urged Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; the Nigerian Navy; and the National Security Adviser to closely monitor developments in the area, alleging that statements and activities by certain individuals of Itsekiri extraction had the potential to fuel renewed tension following the conclusion of the ward delineation dispute in the Constituency.

According to the memorandum, the Council referenced remarks allegedly made by Mr. Alex Eyengho during the ward delineation protests, claiming that his statement suggesting that "tools dey" (sic) implied the existence of illegal arms allegedly intended for use against the Ijaw and Urhobo people of the constituency.

"We are aware of allegations linking this claim to individuals associated with the Olu of Itsekiri, His Royal Majesty Atuwatse III, and others in relation to the Major Michael Polo gun-procurement matter, including the estranged former Ologbotsere of Itsekiri, Mr Ayiri Emami; Mr Ebosan; and Pastor Michael Diden (also known as Edjele)," they alleged.

The Council further alleged that Mr. Eyengho attempted to install individuals from Ugborodo Community as youth executives in Zou Ala Iba (Zaghala) Community, describing the move as provocative and an attempt to impose external influence within Gbaramatu Kingdom, an action the Council said prompted it to intervene and handle the matter through what it described as "established internal community disciplinary mechanisms," while maintaining that the Gbaramatu people possess the capacity to resolve internal community matters without involving prominent Niger Delta leader, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

"We wish to make it clear that our revered leader, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, need not be drawn into petty matters of this nature, as the youths of Gbaramatu are capable of addressing internal community issues responsibly whenever they arise," the Council stated.

The Council also alleged that Mr. Eyengho was acting in furtherance of efforts to undermine the historical identity and territorial integrity of Gbaramatu Kingdom, while insisting that the kingdom's ancestral lands remain non-negotiable.

While acknowledging that individuals may maintain relationships with both paternal and maternal communities, the Council stressed that such relationships do not alter the traditional ownership or administrative status of any Gbaramatu community.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the Council stated that Gbaramatu Kingdom has remained stable due to its structured traditional leadership and effective internal conflict-resolution mechanisms, but warned that although the people of Gbaramatu are peace-loving, they would firmly resist any attempt to encroach upon or undermine the kingdom's territorial integrity.

On the online reports alleging Gbaramatu youths kidnapped and tortured some Itsekiri youths, the Council emphasised that recognised traditional institutions exist within the kingdom to address disputes involving members of its communities, adding that it neither condones criminality nor supports lawlessness, and further urged individuals and groups to refrain from unauthorised activities capable of creating tension or distorting the historical status of Zou Ala Iba (Zaghala) Community.

According to the memorandum, anyone disputing the historical ownership or traditional affiliation of the community should present such claims through peaceful dialogue and evidence rather than through social media campaigns or inflammatory publications.

In conclusion, the Council stated that, "The Gbaramatu Youth Security Council hereby reaffirms that Zou Ala Iba (Zaghala) Community historically originated from Oporoza Community and remains a sub-community under the traditional leadership of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom.

"We call on members of the public, community leaders, and all stakeholders to disregard narratives intended to distort history or create unnecessary tension. We further urge all parties to embrace peace, mutual respect, and responsible communication, " the statement concludes.