The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) has called on residents of Warri Federal Constituency, particularly members of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, to remain calm and be law-abiding following reports of an alleged 48-hour ultimatum purportedly issued by some prominent Itsekiri leaders.

The NDYC, in a statement issued on Saturday nigh by its National President, Chief Bene Mamamu, expressed concern over reports circulating on social media and other platforms alleging that two Itsekiri leaders, Chief Ayiri Emami and Chief Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, threatened attacks against Ijaw communities in Warri Federal Constituency.

Mamamu noted that he found it difficult to believe that such a statement could have genuinely emanated from the respected leaders, given their status and influence in the Warri federal constituency, but he however stressed that if the reports were authentic, they should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

According to him, no ethnic group, community, or individual has a monopoly on violence, warning that history has repeatedly demonstrated the devastating consequences of conflict, citing ongoing and past global conflicts, including those involving Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Iran, as well as wars in Iraq, as examples of how violence often results in the destruction of lives, properties, and the future of entire generations.

The NDYC president lamented that the alleged threat had already generated anxiety, fear, and tension among residents of Warri Federal Constituency, raising concerns about the potential impact on peace and stability in the area.

He therefore appealed to all Ijaw sons and daughters to remain vigilant while avoiding any action capable of escalating tensions or provoking conflict.

“We are not a people who run away from our history or heritage, but we are equally not a people who seek confrontation. Our greatest strength lies in our unity, patience, peaceful disposition, and unwavering respect for the rule of law,” Mamamu stated.

The youth leader further called on the Delta State Government, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders to urgently investigate the source and authenticity of the alleged threat.

He urged authorities to take proactive measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to ensure the protection of lives and property across Warri Federal Constituency, and also emphasised the need for security agencies to remain impartial and ensure that no Ijaw community or individuals were unfairly targeted, profiled, or blamed in connection with the ongoing tensions.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Ijaw people to peace and coexistence, Mamamu stated that the Ijaw ethnic nationality in Warri Federal Constituency remains dedicated to the pursuit of development, justice, and harmonious relations with their Itsekiri and Urhobo neighbours.

He called on all parties to embrace dialogue and peaceful engagement as the appropriate means of resolving differences, stressing that threats and intimidation have no place in a democratic society.

“Let dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding prevail over threats and hostility. Peace remains the only path to sustainable development and prosperity for all communities in Warri Federal Constituency,” he added.

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