“Don’t Let Warri Burn”: Tompolo Calls for Calm as Women,Youths occupy oil facilities

Former Niger Delta militant leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed for calm amid growing tension in Delta State following the occupation of oil and gas facilities by protesting women and youths over the Warri Federal Constituency delineation dispute.

Tompolo’s intervention comes as concerns mount over the potential impact of the protests on Nigeria’s oil production and the fragile peace in the Niger Delta, a region that accounts for a significant share of the nation’s crude oil output.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation said the mass action by peaceful women and youths across communities in the Escravos and Warri River axis should not be allowed to degenerate into violence.

“Since yesterday, June 8, 2026, we have all witnessed the mass action by peaceful women and youths from our various communities occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas. Many well-meaning Nigerians have been calling for a peaceful resolution of the impasse. I join all well-meaning Nigerians to call for a peaceful resolution,” he said.

The protest follows lingering disagreements surrounding the delineation of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency, a process ordered by the courts and being implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Tompolo warned that while communities have legitimate concerns, the situation must not be hijacked by troublemakers or allowed to trigger unrest in the oil-rich region.

“The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for its peaceful ways, and we cannot deviate from our history. The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and the ensuing mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort,” he stated.

Calling for restraint among all ethnic groups in Warri, including Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities, Tompolo stressed that peace remains the only pathway to resolving the dispute.

“I am calling for calm no matter the situation. I am also calling for a meeting of community leaders to meet immediately to enable us devise a way forward. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse,” he added.

The respected Niger Delta leader also urged INEC to act responsibly and take steps capable of restoring confidence in the electoral process.

“INEC must determine to do the right thing and restore peace in Warri and environs. We call on the people of Warri, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to remain calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing,” Tompolo said.

His appeal comes against the backdrop of increasing fears that prolonged tensions around the delineation exercise could threaten social harmony and disrupt economic activities in one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil-producing zones.

Observers say Tompolo’s intervention could prove crucial in preventing further escalation, as women and youths continue their peaceful occupation of oil facilities while demanding the implementation of the Warri Federal Constituency delineation report.