Warri North Remains Peaceful: Council Chairman Dismisses Crisis Rumours, Assures Residents of Security
Residents of Warri North Local Government Area have been urged to remain calm and disregard widespread rumours suggesting an impending ethnic crisis within the area, as the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Festus Ashima, has categorically dismissed the reports as false, misleading, and the handiwork of individuals determined to destabilize the peace of the local government.
In a press statement issued from his office in Koko on Sunday, June 7, 2026, the council chairman expressed concern over what he described as a coordinated campaign of misinformation being circulated by mischief makers over the past forty-eight hours.
According to him, the rumours falsely claim that tensions exist between Itsekiri and Ijaw communities in Koko and other parts of Warri North Local Government Area, creating unnecessary anxiety among residents and business owners.
Hon. Ashima stated that extensive consultations had been carried out with relevant stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and other influential figures across the local government area to ascertain the true situation on the ground.
Following these engagements, he emphasized that there is absolutely no indication of any impending communal clash, ethnic confrontation, or breakdown of law and order anywhere within Warri North.
The chairman noted that intelligence reports received from security agencies operating within the area equally confirmed that there is no threat of violence between any ethnic groups in the local government.
He stressed that those spreading such rumours are criminal-minded individuals whose objective is to create fear and panic among innocent citizens.
According to him, the strategy of these elements is to compel residents to abandon their homes, businesses, and communities, thereby creating opportunities for criminal activities such as vandalism, looting, and other acts capable of undermining public safety and social stability.
Describing Warri North as a peaceful and united local government, Hon. Ashima reaffirmed the longstanding relationship of coexistence among the various ethnic nationalities living in the area.
He maintained that the local government remains committed to preserving peace and ensuring that any disagreement that may arise among individuals or communities is resolved through dialogue, consultation, mediation, and peaceful engagement rather than violence.
The council boss emphasized that Warri North has built a reputation over the years as a community where people of diverse backgrounds live and work together in harmony, and that such a legacy must not be sacrificed on the altar of misinformation and divisive propaganda.
He therefore appealed to residents across all communities to remain law-abiding and continue their daily economic and social activities without fear.
Addressing fishermen, traders, farmers, students, women, artisans, and business owners, Hon. Ashima assured them that there is no security threat warranting panic or displacement.
He also called on citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, individuals spreading fake news, or anyone attempting to incite violence and ethnic hatred.
According to him, safeguarding the peace of Warri North remains a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all stakeholders.
Political observers and community leaders have described the chairman’s intervention as timely, particularly in an era where misinformation spread through social media platforms often has the potential to generate unnecessary tension and public anxiety.
Many residents believe that the public reassurance from the local government authority will help calm fears and strengthen confidence among the people.
As Warri North continues to pursue development, economic growth, and social stability, stakeholders have reiterated the need for residents to reject divisive narratives and remain united in protecting the peace that has long characterized the area.
The chairman concluded by expressing optimism that through cooperation, vigilance, and mutual understanding, Warri North will continue to remain a beacon of peace, unity, and coexistence within Delta State and the Niger Delta region.
Source: Press Statement from the Office of the Executive Chairman, Warri North Local Government Area, Hon. Festus Ashima.
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Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
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