The Delta State Police Command has convened a peace meeting involving leaders of Okwama, Okoloba and Akugbene communities to forestall a possible communal crisis.
The meeting, held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Area Command Headquarters in Warri, came amid growing concerns over boundary disagreements and competition for fishing rights among the three riverine settlements.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, chaired the session and described it as a proactive step to prevent escalation of recent tensions.
He warned that the Command would not tolerate actions capable of disturbing the peace, stressing that dialogue was preferable to violence.
Abaniwonda also noted that the meeting was intended to provide a neutral platform for airing grievances and reaching mutual understanding without resorting to self-help.
Stakeholders from the affected communities were present, including traditional leaders, youth representatives and other opinion holders.
The Okwama community delegation was led by its Acting President General, while Dr. David represented Okoloba.
Akugbene community was represented by Chief Okoloko Tata, Comrade Cletus and other stakeholders.
Discussions at the meeting centred mainly on water boundary claims, fishing access and longstanding ownership disputes.
Representatives acknowledged that the issues had generated tension and agreed on the need for structured conflict resolution.
After extensive deliberations, the meeting produced key resolutions aimed at restoring peace and preventing future hostilities.
One of the resolutions was an agreement that youths should desist from the use of arms or intimidation during fishing activities.
The communities also resolved that no one should impose territorial restrictions on waterways, affirming unrestricted fishing rights for all.
Stakeholders further agreed to follow up on a previous boundary adjustment request already submitted to the state government.
It was also resolved that the DCP Operations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, would engage LGA chairmen in a follow-up session in line with earlier agreements held in 2024.
A joint Peace Committee WhatsApp channel will be created to enhance early warning signals and improve communication among the communities.
The Police warned that any breach of the resolutions would attract arrest and prosecution.
Abaniwonda commended the leaders for choosing dialogue and assured that the Command would continue to adopt intelligence-led policing strategies.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in Asaba.