By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his efforts to sustain peace in the Warri area amid emerging tensions arising from ward delineation disputes, while urging all stakeholders to exercise restraint and preserve the long-standing unity among the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.

In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Chief Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF said it appreciated the governor's interventions aimed at preventing the disagreements from escalating into conflict.

"PANDEF notes with appreciation the efforts of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, to sustain the existing peace and unity in the Warri area through effective engagement with relevant stakeholders in the past months," the statement said.

The regional socio-political body noted that Governor Oborevwori had undertaken a series of peace-building engagements, including meetings in Asaba and his recent visit to Warri to engage leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities over concerns generated by the ward delineation exercise.

"We particularly note that even before coming directly to Warri on Monday, June 8, 2026, to meet with Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo leaders over emerging conflicts arising from ward delineations, the Governor had earlier convened similar peace efforts in Asaba," PANDEF stated.

The group reminded stakeholders that the three ethnic nationalities share centuries of coexistence and should not allow political disagreements to destroy their common heritage.

"PANDEF wishes to remind our fathers, mothers and leaders in the area that the shared heritage which inseparably binds the people of Warri for hundreds of years will continue deep into the future," the statement added.

Describing Warri as one of Nigeria's most culturally rich and historically significant cities, PANDEF said the area's strength had always been rooted in unity, cooperation and mutual respect among its diverse communities.

"It is common knowledge that Warri is one of Nigeria's most amazing cities of culture and tradition. For hundreds of years, the three ethnic groups have lived together, traded together, intermarried, spoken each other's languages and built a unique and awe-inspiring heritage," the organisation said.

According to PANDEF, the cultural bonds among the people of Warri remain stronger than political disagreements or boundary disputes.

"The existing cultural bonds are the greatest heritage, far stronger than any boundary line on a map or presumed political differences," it stated.

The organisation also appealed directly to young people across Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas not to allow themselves to be used to fuel division or violence.

"PANDEF calls on our sons and daughters of Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North to appreciate the fact that they are the custodians of tomorrow and must not allow themselves to be used as tools of division or destruction," the statement said.

"The rich future which the Warri dream holds will only exist if there is peace today. All must stand up for unity, reject inciting voices on social media, and protect the legacy of this great area."

The forum pledged to continue its peace-building role across communities in the Niger Delta and expressed readiness to support initiatives that promote justice, fairness and development.

"Consistent with its mandate, PANDEF will continue to play its role in peacemaking and peace building. We will continue to undertake various confidence-building measures across the communities to rebuild trust and reinforce unity," Igali said.

The organisation further assured stakeholders of its support for efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable peace and equitable development across the Warri area.

"We pledge our full support to any initiative that promotes justice, fairness and development for the area and all its people," the statement added.