The Delta State Police Commissioner, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, on December 1, 2025, convened a critical peace meeting with key stakeholders from the Okuama, Okoloba, and Akugbene communities both of Ughelli South and Bomadi local government areas of the state.
The meeting, held at the Police Area Command office in Warri, aimed to address escalating tensions related to boundary disputes, fishing rights, and community disagreements, with the goal of preventing conflict and securing lasting peace.
CP Abaniwonda opened the session by stressing the importance of peace and the Command’s commitment to preventing avoidable disputes from disturbing the state’s stability. He characterized the meeting as a proactive effort to hear all voices, mediate impartially, and bolster peaceful coexistence, warning against any attempts to disrupt peace or take matters into their own hands, which would be met with stiff police action.
Community leaders, including the Acting President General of Okuama, Dr. David representing Okoloba, and delegates from Akugbene, thanked the CP on behalf of the Delta state Police Command for their timely intervention. They acknowledged the core issues around boundary adjustments and fishing access and pledged cooperative efforts for the mutual benefit of all. Contributions from local youth and traditional figures highlighted the need to rebuild trust and improve relations among the communities.
Several resolutions were reached after a thorough discussions and deliberations to discouraged youths from carrying weapons during fishing, and that no community should impose boundaries on waterways, and fishing will be free from intimidation. They agreed to follow up the request for governmental boundary review and welcomed police efforts to monitor the waterways closely in collaboration with local government authorities. It was also agreed that violations of peace agreements will result in immediate legal action, and a Peace Committee WhatsApp group was agreed to be created to enhance communication and early conflict detection.
CP Abaniwonda, praised the participants for their maturity and commitment, affirming the Command’s continued use of intelligence-led and community policing to protect residents. He encouraged ongoing dialogue and strict adherence to the agreements as essential for preventing conflict and fostering harmony in the area.