The Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, on 1st December 2025 convened a high-level stakeholders’ peace meeting involving representatives of Okwama, Okoloba, and Akugbene communities to address emerging tensions arising from boundary disputes, fishing rights, and other related disagreements.
The meeting, which commenced at approximately 1200 hours at the Area Command, Warri, brought together community leaders, youth representatives, security stakeholders, and traditional authorities for frank deliberations aimed at preventing conflict and restoring lasting peace.
In his opening remarks, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda emphasised that the Command would not allow preventable disputes to undermine the peace and stability of Delta State. He described the meeting as a proactive initiative designed to listen to all concerns, mediate fairly, and reinforce the commitment to peaceful coexistence. The CP warned that any attempt to breach the peace or resort to self-help measures would attract firm and decisive police action.
Stakeholders in attendance, including the Ag. President General of Okwama community, representatives of the Okoloba community led by Dr David, and delegates from the Akugbene community, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention of the Police Command. They acknowledged that the unresolved issues primarily revolve around boundary adjustments and fishing rights, and they reaffirmed their readiness to cooperate for the greater good of all parties. Additional inputs were provided by Pastor Edewor, Mr Prince (Youth President, Okoloba), Chief Okoloko Tata (Akugbene), Comrade Cletus (Akugbene), Aaron Young (Okwama), and others who shared valuable perspectives on restoring trust and strengthening communal relations.
Following extensive deliberations, all parties adopted several key resolutions. Community leaders agreed to caution their youths against carrying arms during fishing activities and to discourage any acts of self-help capable of provoking violence. It was unanimously resolved that no community should impose boundaries on waterways, and that all individuals should be free to fish without intimidation or obstruction. Stakeholders further agreed that the request letter previously submitted to the State Government on boundary adjustments must be diligently followed up to ensure appropriate governmental attention and implementation.
It was also agreed that the DCP Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, will invite the Chairmen of the affected Local Government Areas for a follow-up meeting with the Commissioner of Police to review strategies for monitoring activities along the waterways, in line with resolutions reached during the 2024 Government House Annexe meeting. Furthermore, any individual or group that violates the peace agreements or engages in conduct likely to disturb public order will be arrested and handed over to the Area Commander for prosecution. A Peace Committee WhatsApp platform will also be created to strengthen communication, enhance early-warning systems, and promote sustained engagement between Okwama and Okoloba stakeholders.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended all participants for their maturity, cooperation, and genuine commitment to peace. He assured the public that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led and community-based policing strategies to prevent violence and safeguard the lives and property of all residents. The CP urged the communities to uphold the resolutions reached and to embrace continuous dialogue as the most effective tool for conflict prevention and peaceful coexistence.
