Rights activist and Itsekiri community leader, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, has warned that rising tensions surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation exercise in Warri could trigger violence and deepen ethnic divisions in Delta State if urgent steps are not taken.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Lori-Ogbebor said the controversy over the delineation process has escalated beyond political disagreement and is now threatening peace and coexistence among communities in Warri.
She expressed concern that recent confrontations and public statements linked to the dispute have increased fear within Itsekiri communities.
“There is a looming genocide in Warri,” she said, warning that the situation could deteriorate if not addressed quickly.
Lori-Ogbebor stressed that the dispute is no longer a political matter but one that now directly affects the safety of communities.
“This thing is not political anymore,” she stated.
She accused some groups involved in the dispute of attempting to distort historical facts about Warri’s ownership structure and marginalise the Itsekiri people.
“They were taking us for granted,” she said.
The activist also maintained that several land and ownership disputes in Warri had already been settled through court rulings and historical records.
“All the lands in Warri have been adjudicated upon,” she stated.
Lori-Ogbebor alleged that recent press conferences and public remarks by opposing groups contained threats capable of escalating tensions further.
“They threatened fire and brimstone,” she said.
She referenced the 1997 Warri crisis, alleging that Itsekiri communities suffered significant casualties during the violence.
“They killed a lot of our children,” she stated.
According to her, current rhetoric around the delineation process risks reopening old wounds and reviving ethnic conflict in the area.
“They are threatening again that they will do the same,” she warned.
The activist criticised both the Federal Government and the Delta State Government, accusing them of failing to provide adequate protection and response to rising tensions.
“I will hold the federal government responsible if anything happens to us,” she said.
She added that authorities had not done enough to de-escalate the situation despite repeated warnings from community leaders.
“The state government is responsible,” she said.
Lori-Ogbebor also alleged that misinformation and propaganda were being circulated to influence public perception of the INEC delineation exercise.
“They are peddling complete lies,” she stated.
She dismissed claims that INEC had concluded its delineation exercise, insisting that the commission was still reviewing objections and concerns raised by stakeholders.
“INEC has said they are looking into it,” she said.
According to her, lasting peace in Warri can only be achieved if historical facts and existing court judgments on ownership and representation are respected.
“The whole country must decide the truth,” she said.
While emphasising the need for peace, Lori-Ogbebor maintained that all groups in Warri should coexist harmoniously but insisted that historical realities should not be ignored.
“We welcome you, but kings are born,” she said.
She further alleged that political actors have repeatedly exploited ethnic tensions in Warri for personal or political gain.
“Some politicians caused this whole problem,” she said.
She also called for the restoration of certain local government arrangements she claimed were altered through political interference.
“Bring back our local government,” she added.
Lori-Ogbebor warned that unless INEC, the Federal Government, and political leaders urgently address the concerns surrounding the Warri delineation exercise, the situation could escalate into wider unrest, threatening peace and inter-ethnic relations in Delta State.
