ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has stepped in to douse growing tension among Okwama, Okoloba and Akugbene communities, convening a high-level peace meeting on December 1, 2025, to address boundary-related disputes and disagreements over fishing rights.
The meeting was confirmed in a statement signed by Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, who noted that the intervention followed emerging security concerns that threatened stability in the affected riverine areas.
Held at the Area Command, Warri, the peace session brought together community leaders, youth representatives, security stakeholders and traditional authorities in a bid to prevent escalation and reinforce dialogue. The Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, who presided over the gathering, warned that the Command would not tolerate any breach of public order resulting from avoidable communal disputes.
Abaniwonda said the meeting was a proactive effort to listen to grievances and mediate fairly, adding that no individual or group would be allowed to resort to self-help. He stressed that the Police remained committed to fostering peaceful coexistence and would act decisively against anyone bent on disrupting the peace.
Representatives of the three communities — including the acting President General of Okwama, the Okoloba delegation led by Dr. David, and traditional and youth leaders from Akugbene, welcomed the intervention and acknowledged that the persistent issues revolve mainly around boundary adjustments and fishing rights. Contributions also came from Pastor Edewor, Youth President Prince of Okoloba, Chief Okoloko Tata of Akugbene, Comrade Cletus, Aaron Young of Okwama and others who offered insights on rebuilding trust.
After extensive deliberations, the communities agreed on key resolutions to forestall conflict. Leaders committed to cautioning their youths against carrying arms during fishing activities and avoiding provocative acts that could trigger violence. It was unanimously agreed that no community should impose boundary restrictions on waterways, and that all residents must be free to fish without intimidation. The stakeholders also resolved to follow up diligently on a petition earlier submitted to the state government on boundary adjustments.
As part of the next steps, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, will invite the chairmen of the affected local government areas for a follow-up meeting with the Commissioner of Police. The session will review monitoring strategies for activities along the waterways, in line with resolutions reached during the 2024 Government House Annexe meeting. The Police also announced that anyone who violates the peace agreements or engages in acts likely to disturb public order will be arrested and prosecuted. A Peace Committee WhatsApp platform will be created to enhance communication and provide early-warning alerts among the communities.
Abaniwonda commended the participants for their cooperation and maturity, assuring that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led and community-focused strategies to maintain peace. He urged the communities to uphold the resolutions reached and embrace dialogue as the most effective tool for conflict prevention.
The Police Command encouraged residents to remain vigilant and committed to peaceful coexistence across all neighbourhoods in the state.
