Security
Warri Tensions Rise Over INEC Ward Delineation as Ethnic Groups Clash, Oil Operations Disrupted Amid Protests
By Rukevwe odeh
Tension is rising once again in the oil-rich city of Warri, Delta State, as renewed disagreements over the delineation of federal constituency wards by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deepen ethnic divisions among the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo groups.
Following a court ruling, INEC recently moved to propose additional wards in Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas, while stakeholders await full implementation of the decision.
The development has sparked mixed reactions. While Itsekiri leaders strongly opposed the proposed arrangement, Ijaw and Urhobo groups welcomed it, describing it as a long-overdue correction of historical political imbalance. They commended INEC for what they called a courageous step toward fairness and equal representation.
Tensions escalated when leaders of the Ijaw and Urhobo communities warned that they would resist any attempt to reverse the decision. This was followed by a protest led by Ijaw women and youths, during which 13 oil wells operated by major companies such as Chevron, Shell, and Neconde/Nestoil were shut down. The affected facilities reportedly produce about 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
The protesters also blocked access routes through the waterways, disrupting logistics and oil operations. They accused opposing interests, particularly within the Itsekiri community, of attempting to frustrate the implementation of the INEC report.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief (Mrs.) Maria Ebike said the delay in implementing the ward delineation was unjust, alleging that powerful political forces were working behind the scenes to undermine the process. She insisted that the exercise was intended to ensure fairness, equity, and proper representation across Warri communities.
According to her, “No implementation of the ward delineation, no oil production,” stressing that their actions were peaceful but firm.
The situation has triggered growing fear and tension across Warri, as each ethnic group continues to accuse the other of political manipulation and marginalization. Observers warn that the dispute could destabilize the region if not urgently addressed.
In response, the Delta State Government intervened to prevent further escalation. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori convened a peace meeting in Asaba involving leaders of the three ethnic groups, alongside security agencies and government officials.
The governor urged all parties to embrace dialogue and maintain peace, stressing that Warri belongs to all and cannot afford renewed conflict. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to stability under the MORE Agenda and called for unity among residents.
Leaders at the meeting pledged to support peace efforts. Ijaw representative Chief Godspower Gbenekama assured that his people would not engage in violence, while Urhobo leader Olorogun Victor Okumagba emphasized agreement among stakeholders to sustain peace. Itsekiri representative Chief Ayirimi Emami also confirmed that all parties had agreed to calm tensions and return to their communities with messages of restraint.
Despite these assurances, underlying grievances remain deeply rooted. The dispute over land ownership, political representation, and control of oil resources has historically fueled tensions between the ethnic groups in Warri.
While the Ijaw and Urhobo groups insist they are correcting long-standing injustice, the Itsekiri community argues that INEC exceeded its constitutional mandate in the delineation process.
As accusations, protests, and counterclaims continue, stakeholders and analysts stress the urgent need for a lasting political and legal resolution to prevent further escalation in the already fragile oil-producing region.
By Favour Bibaikefie
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026 into law, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its national identity management system and improve access to government services.
The new legislation replaces the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007 and reinforces the country’s identity framework through the principle of “One Person, One Identity, One Number,” with the National Identification Number (NIN) serving as the foundation of the national identity system.
The Act is designed to enhance the management of identity records, improve coordination among government agencies, and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s identity database. It also provides legal backing for the wider use of digital identity solutions, including electronic identity credentials and official digital verification tools.
As part of the reforms, the law makes provision for a General Multi-Purpose Card that can support multiple government and commercial services. However, authorities have not announced that the new card will immediately replace existing documents such as international passports, driver’s licences, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or bank cards.
Officials say the integration of identity systems will be implemented gradually through collaboration with relevant government institutions and other stakeholders.
The legislation also introduces stricter safeguards for the protection of personal data and prescribes tougher penalties for identity theft, impersonation, multiple registrations, and other identity-related offences.
Experts believe the new legal framework will help reduce duplicate identity records, improve the efficiency of public service delivery, strengthen national security, and support the country’s digital economy.
While the Act establishes the legal foundation for a more integrated identity management system, many of its provisions will require phased implementation before Nigerians experience their full impact in everyday transactions.
Government agencies are expected to issue further regulations and operational guidelines on how the reforms will be rolled out nationwide.
By Rukevwe Odeh
Students of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, on Tuesday staged a protest over what they described as rising insecurity on and around the institution’s campus.
The demonstrators reportedly blocked the university’s main entrance, preventing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta from entering the campus. The protest was sparked by repeated cases of robbery and attacks on students, with many expressing frustration over what they believe is an inadequate response to the security situation.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the students called on the university management and relevant security agencies to take urgent steps to safeguard lives and property. They insisted that learning could not continue under the current conditions and demanded lasting solutions to the security challenges.
At the time of filing this report, the university management had not released an official statement on the protest, while normal academic activities were disrupted as students continued their demonstration.
By Rukevwe Odeh
A violent internal clash has reportedly broken out among commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), resulting in multiple deaths after a mission went wrong.
According to reports, the confrontation occurred following a failed operational attempt that sparked tension within the group’s ranks. The disagreement escalated into an armed exchange between rival factions of the militants.
Sources suggest that the clash led to the deaths of several fighters, including individuals believed to be senior figures within the group. The incident highlights growing internal instability and leadership struggles within ISWAP, which has faced increasing pressure from military operations in the Lake Chad region and northeast Nigeria.
Security analysts note that such infighting is not uncommon among extremist groups operating in the region, especially as they lose territory, resources, and operational strength due to sustained counterterrorism campaigns.
Authorities are yet to issue an official confirmation, but the development is seen as another setback for the group amid ongoing security efforts targeting insurgent activity in Nigeria’s northeast.
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