Stakeholders Commit to Peace as Governor Orders Immediate Response to Rail Tragedy

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday took decisive steps to sustain peace and ensure public safety across the state, intervening in the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation dispute while also responding swiftly to the tragic train accident in Agbor that claimed four lives and injured several others.

At Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori convened a high-level peace meeting involving leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities, alongside security chiefs and top government officials, to address tensions arising from the ongoing ward and polling unit delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency.

The governor stressed the importance of unity, dialogue and peaceful coexistence, describing peace and security as key pillars of his administration’s MORE Agenda.

“We want peace in Warri Federal Constituency. The stakeholders have assured me that they will keep to the peace accord. Under the MORE Agenda, we have promised Deltans enhanced peace and security, and we do not need any crisis in our dear state,” Oborevwori said.

According to him, Warri’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division, noting that all disputes could be resolved through dialogue.

“Warri is one family. There is nothing that we cannot resolve through dialogue. We are ready to work together and sustain the peace we are enjoying. We will continue to work with security agencies and all ethnic nationalities to ensure lasting peace in the federal constituency and every part of the state,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, Chief Godspower Gbenekama commended the governor’s intervention and assured residents that the Ijaw people remained committed to peace.

“The governor has given us a marching order to ensure there is no crisis. I assure the people of Delta State that no Ijaw man will attack any Itsekiri man or village. By the grace of God, there will be continuous peace,” he stated.

Representing the Urhobo ethnic nationality, Olorogun Victor Okumagba said stakeholders had agreed to set aside differences and work towards maintaining peace in the area.

“For some time now, issues surrounding the ward and unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency have been threatening the peace in Warri. Today, after extensive discussions, all parties agreed to sheath their swords and sustain peace for the benefit of all residents,” he said.

Chief Ayirimi Emami, who spoke on behalf of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, said all parties had resolved to embrace peace following the governor’s intervention.

“We came with our position regarding the ward delineation issue, but the governor has spoken and directed that everyone should keep their swords. We have all agreed to maintain peace and will relay the message to our people,” Emami stated.

The meeting ended with a collective commitment by leaders of the three ethnic nationalities to uphold peace, dialogue and harmonious coexistence in the oil-rich federal constituency.

Governor Mourns Agbor Train Crash Victims

In a related development, Governor Oborevwori expressed deep sorrow over the tragic train accident in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, which resulted in the death of four persons and left 35 others injured.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor described the incident as heartbreaking and unfortunate, extending his condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing the injured speedy recovery.

He immediately directed the Commissioner for Special Duties, as well as the Chairmen of Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas, to move to the accident scene and coordinate rescue operations.

The governor also commended security agencies for their prompt response, disclosing that the Commissioner of Police personally visited the scene and deployed security personnel to protect passengers’ belongings and maintain order.

According to the statement, injured victims were swiftly evacuated to nearby hospitals for treatment, while buses were dispatched to transport survivors from the accident scene. The remains of the deceased were deposited in a mortuary.

Providing an update on the situation, Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council, Hon. Monday Odigwe, disclosed that 35 injured passengers were receiving medical attention in three hospitals across the area.

He said 13 victims were being treated at Central Hospital, Agbor, 12 at General Hospital, Owa-Oyibu, while 10 others were receiving treatment at General Hospital, Owa-Alero.

Odigwe further disclosed that arrangements had been made to lift the train from the accident site.

Governor Oborevwori prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and urged their families to remain strong in the face of the painful loss.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare, safety and security of all residents, assuring that the state government would continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary support to victims undergoing treatment

Observers noted that while the governor worked to preserve peace in Warri through dialogue and reconciliation, his swift response to the Agbor train tragedy further demonstrated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and promoting stability across Delta State.