By Austin Ogwuda
… creates Peace Committee WhatsApp platform to strengthen communication, enhance early-warning
IN a bid to avert another crisis in Okuama, the Delta State Police Command convened a high-level stakeholders’ peace meeting involving representatives of Okuama, Okoloba and Akugbene communities to address emerging tensions arising from boundary disputes and fishing rights.
The meeting which was held at the Area Police Command, Warri on Monday brought together community leaders, youth representatives, security stakeholders and traditional authorities for frank deliberations aimed at preventing conflict and restoring lasting peace.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda told the gathering that the Command would not allow preventable disputes to undermine the peace and stability of Delta State.
He described the meeting as a proactive initiative designed to listen to all concerns, mediate fairly and reinforce the commitment to peaceful co-existence.
The CP warned that any attempt to breach the peace or resort to self-help measures would attract firm and decisive police action.
Stakeholders in attendance, including the Ag. President General of Okuama community, representatives of the Okoloba community led by Dr David, and delegates from the Akugbene community, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention of the Police Command.
They acknowledged that the unresolved issues primarily revolve around boundary adjustments and fishing rights, and they reaffirmed their readiness to cooperate for the greater good of all parties.
“Additional inputs”, according to a press release by the Command’s Spokesman Bright Edafe a Superintendent of Police, “were provided by Pastor Edewor, Mr Prince (Youth President, Okoloba), Chief Okoloko Tata (Akugbene), Comrade Cletus (Akugbene), Aaron Young (Okwama) and others who shared valuable perspectives on restoring trust and strengthening communal relations.
“Following extensive deliberations, all parties adopted several key resolutions. Community leaders agreed to caution their youths against carrying arms during fishing activities and to discourage any acts of self-help capable of provoking violence. It was unanimously resolved that no community should impose boundaries on waterways, and that all individuals should be free to fish without intimidation or obstruction.
“Stakeholders further agreed that the request letter previously submitted to the State Government on boundary adjustments must be diligently followed up to ensure appropriate governmental attention and implementation.
“It was also agreed that the DCP Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, will invite the Chairmen of the affected Local Government Areas for a follow-up meeting with the Commissioner of Police to review strategies for monitoring activities along the waterways, in line with resolutions reached during the 2024 Government House Annexe meeting.
“Furthermore, any individual or group that violates the peace agreements or engages in conduct likely to disturb public order will be arrested and handed over to the Area Commander for prosecution.
A Peace Committee WhatsApp platform will also be created to strengthen communication, enhance early-warning systems, and promote sustained engagement between Okwama and Okoloba stakeholders”, the release further stated.
*Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda (4th from right) in a group photograph with representatives of the warring communities during the peace meeting
