The Executive Chairman of Warri North Local Government Council, Hon. Festus Ashima, has dismissed reports of an alleged ethnic crisis between Ijaw and Itsekiri communities in the area, assuring residents that there is no threat to peace and security in any part of the council.
Ashima, in a statement issued on Sunday, described as false and misleading rumours circulating on social media that Ijaw and Itsekiri communities were at war, forcing residents to flee their homes out of fear of attacks.
According to him, the reports were the handiwork of mischief makers bent on creating fear, tension and unnecessary panic among the people.
"There is no crisis anywhere in Warri North. The rumour being circulated is completely false and should be disregarded by all well-meaning residents," the chairman stated.
He assured residents that security agencies were fully deployed across the local government area and were actively monitoring developments to maintain law and order.
Ashima urged both Ijaw and Itsekiri youths to use social media platforms responsibly by promoting peace, unity and harmonious coexistence rather than spreading unfounded rumours capable of inciting fear and ethnic distrust.
He warned that individuals involved in spreading false information would be held accountable, noting that security agencies were already on the trail of those responsible for the rumours.
The council chairman emphasized that the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities have coexisted peacefully for generations and should not allow divisive narratives to undermine their long-standing relationship.
"Ijaw and Itsekiri people are brothers and sisters who have lived together for years in peace, mutual respect and shared humanity. There is no threat from the Ijaw to the Itsekiri, and there is no threat from the Itsekiri to the Ijaw," he said.
Ashima called on residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities without fear, assuring them that the local government, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, had put measures in place to protect lives and property across all communities.
He further appealed to those who may have left their communities as a result of the rumours to return home, insisting that there was no security threat anywhere in Warri North.
"The security of our people is guaranteed. There is no crisis anywhere in Warri North. We urge everyone to remain calm, stay vigilant and disregard this mischievous rumour in its entirety," he added.
The chairman also called on community leaders, youth groups, opinion leaders and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at strengthening peace, unity and understanding among all ethnic groups in the area.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to sustaining the peaceful atmosphere for which Warri North is known and warned against any attempt to incite division or ethnic hostility in the council area.
