Gbenekama Raises Alarm Over Threats Against Kantu, Ijaghala for Ijaw Identity Affirmation in Delta
The Fiyewei (Spokesman) of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Dr. Godspower Gbenekama has warned that no harm should come to the people of Kantu and Zou-Ala Uba (Ijaghala) communities for tracing their origin to the Ijaw origin and willingly affirming their true identity, alerting and appealing to the State and Federal Governments, and security agencies to act as Ijaws are under threats from their neighbors.
He made this appeal on Monday,
June 16, during a meeting with leaders and youths of the Gbaramatu Kingdom at his residence in Warri.
He noted that some Itsekiri individuals reside on Ijaw and Urhobo land. He warned that any escalation of violence could disrupt the peace of the entire region. Referring to a past incident, he recounted the kidnapping and murder of a Gbaramatu native in Teijoh, stressing that such atrocities must never happen again.
Dr. Gbenekama also warned sternly: “Anyone who harms an Ijaw person will not go scot-free.” He appealed to law enforcement agencies, as well as State and Federal authorities, to ensure the safety of lives and property in Ikatu, Zou-Ala Uba, Gbaramatu, and the Ijaw nation at large. He assured the Itsekiri community of their safety within Ijaw territories and urged reciprocal goodwill.
Furthermore, he stated that Gbaramatu land would not be relinquished to anyone under any circumstances. He called on the government to apprehend those involved in gun running, including a traditional ruler allegedly implicated in such activities. He expressed concern that unchecked gun running poses a serious threat, mentioning intelligence reports that the arms trade was potentially intended to target communities like Ogbe-Ijoh, Gbaramatu, Isaba, Egbema, and Diebri.
Dr. Gbenekama also referenced the recent killings in Benue State, urging the government to take decisive action against gun running nationwide. He warned that any crisis between the Ijaw and Itsekiri would be detrimental to all parties involved.
Finally, he called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the electoral processes it had previously initiated.
