WARRI: Women and youths from several Ijaw communities in Delta State have shut down key Chevron oil facilities in protest over the non-implementation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward and polling unit delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency.
The protest, which escalated on Monday, involved communities from Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Isaba, Egbema and Diebiri Kingdoms, who occupied major oil installations including the Abiteye, Olero Creek, Dibi Field and Opuekeba flow stations.
The demonstrators accused authorities of delaying the implementation of the INEC delineation report, which was reportedly issued following a Supreme Court directive. They insisted that the exercise was necessary to ensure fair political representation for all communities within the Warri Federal Constituency.
During the action, the protesters carried placards, sang solidarity songs and maintained that they would continue the shutdown until the electoral body begins implementation of the report.
Protest leaders claimed the disruption affected operations at several oil facilities, including Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, Jones Creek, Otunana, Egwa 1 and 2, Abiteye and Makaraba flow stations. They further alleged that production of about 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day had been shut in as a result of the protest, although this figure could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, amid rising tensions, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori convened an emergency peace meeting in Asaba with leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities, alongside security chiefs and government officials.
The meeting focused on preventing escalation of the dispute and sustaining peace in the Warri Federal Constituency.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Oborevwori called for dialogue and peaceful coexistence, stressing that all grievances should be resolved through negotiation rather than confrontation.
“We want peace in Warri Federal Constituency. The stakeholders have assured me that they will keep to the peace accord. Under the MORE Agenda, we have promised Deltans enhanced peace and security, and we do not need any crisis in our dear state,” the governor said.
He described Warri as a united community and urged all parties to embrace dialogue.
Leaders of the three ethnic nationalities later pledged commitment to peace while discussions on the delineation issue continue.
Representing the Ijaw nation, Godspower Gbenekama assured that the Ijaw people would not resort to violence, while Itsekiri leader Ayiri Emami said stakeholders had agreed to heed the governor’s appeal for calm. Urhobo representative Olorogun Victor Okumagba also confirmed that all sides had resolved to maintain peaceful coexistence.
The meeting ended with a joint commitment to continued dialogue and efforts to resolve the Warri delineation dispute amicably.
