The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has strongly condemned what it describes as "acts of aggression" against Ijaw people following the recent ward delineation exercise in Warri, Delta State.

In a statement issued on Friday, IYC President Dr. Theophilus Alaye expressed deep concern over rising tensions and violence allegedly instigated by elements within the Itsekiri community against Ijaw residents in Warri.

According to the statement, these incidents followed the ward delineation exercise carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in accordance with a Supreme Court directive. The IYC described the exercise as "a move aimed at correcting decades of marginalisation."

"The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide is deeply concerned by the recent upsurge in tensions and violence reportedly instigated by elements within the Itsekiri community against Ijaw residents of Warri," Alaye stated.

The Council also condemned what it termed a "campaign of blackmail and misinformation" allegedly being waged against prominent Ijaw figures, particularly Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The IYC defended Otuaro, stating that he has demonstrated consistent commitment to fostering peace, unity, and stability in the Niger Delta region, and warned that "attempts to tarnish his reputation through falsehoods and divisive rhetoric will not be tolerated."

In a direct message to security agencies, the Ijaw youth organization called for protection of their communities and thorough investigation of all acts of violence and incitement, emphasizing that "nobody has the monopoly of violence."

The Council urged Itsekiri youths and stakeholders to channel their grievances through lawful and democratic institutions rather than resorting to actions that could undermine regional peace and development.

"No ethnic group holds exclusive entitlement to political control in a multiethnic region like Warri," the statement asserted, insisting that all groups must be respected and represented.

The IYC concluded by affirming that "no force of intimidation or campaign of calumny would deter the Ijaw Nation from pursuing justice and equity within the Nigerian federation."