Trackup-news.com
18, June 2025
Leaders of the Gbaramatu Kingdom have urged the federal and state governments to intervene in alleged threats against the Ijaw communities of Ikantu and Ijaghala.
The appeal was made by the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama at a press briefing on Monday June 16,2025.
The Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, expressed concern over threats to evict Ijaws from their communities, citing constitutional rights to live anywhere in Nigeria.
He noted that the threat to the Ikantu and Ijaghala communities to be sacked from their community should not be taking lightly.
Chief Gbenekama added that the Ijaw ethnic nationality remain a peaceful people and will remain so emphasizing that since the issue of delineation became a topic of discourse, the people of Ijaghala and Ikantu have been receiving threat to be evicted from their communities.
” We the ijaws will not fight the itsekiri people but they must leave the ikantu and ijalagha people alone.
” We are peaceful people but if any Ikantu or Ijaghala indegenes are attacked by the Itsekiris because they traced their ancestoral root to Gbaramatu kingdom, The God’s will fight for us”
He called for protection of lives and property, referencing recent violence in Benue. Chief Gbenekama also appealed to INEC to complete the delineation of the Warri federal constituency and to the state government to address gunrunning in the area.
Chief Gbenekama urged Government at all levels to prioritize the safety of its citizens even as he cited the gruesome killing of Benue residents, appealing to the independent National Electoral commission INEC to complete the delineation of the Warri federal constituency as further delay is not in the best interest of the people.
“INEC come and complete your work ,there is peace in Warri federal constituency,why is our own different ijaws will always continue to call on God to help us ” He stated.
Chief Gbenekama appealed to the state government to fish out the gun runners in Warri federal constituency, alleging that they are preparing to use their arms on the ijaws of Gbaramatu Kingdom and other Ijaw kingdoms.