Rising tension has engulfed Benikrukru Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area following threats allegedly issued by militant groups linked to the Itsekiri ethnic nationality. The threats come in the aftermath of a Federal High Court judgment in Warri, which barred Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) from paying compensation to some Itsekiri communities in the Abiteye oil fields.
Reports indicated that Itsekiri militant groups have vowed to unleash violence on economic assets and have sent death threats to leaders of Benikrukru community, expressing dissatisfaction with the court ruling. A widely circulated message from a self-acclaimed militant leader, “General Iwedundun Akpakpa” of the Itsekiri Defense Council (IDC), has set a 48-hour ultimatum for Itsekiris in the Abiteye flow station to either renounce their identity or vacate the area.
On January 31, 2025, the Federal High Court, Warri, presided over by Justice H. A. Nganjiwa, ruled in favor of Benikrukru Community. The judgment directed Chevron to discontinue compensation payments to Ode-Itsekiri and Deghele communities.
The plaintiffs—Pa. Kwekwewei Onimiyenmene, Pastor Paul Willie, Elder David Kiriodougha, Captain John Abase, Elder Dogood Ogoloru, and Madam Goldcoast Jimmy—had approached the court seeking to overturn a 1982 Consent Judgment, arguing that it had expired and should no longer govern compensation payments for lands in the Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Following the judgment, Itsekiri militants have allegedly vowed to retaliate, warning of dire consequences. A statement attributed to “General Iwedundun Akpakpa” declared that the Itsekiri would resist any attempt to displace them.
“We, the IDC, will ensure that all Itsekiri land is protected at all times. In the coming days, we will cause damages that will be felt by both the Delta State and federal governments. If blood is spilled, the authorities should hold [name withheld] responsible,” the militant leader reportedly said.
The group also threatened to destroy communities allegedly encroaching on Itsekiri land, warning of an impending crisis similar to the Okuama conflict in Warri South-West.
Meanwhile, the Movement for Peace and Justice in the Niger Delta (MPJND) has accused the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, of orchestrating the threats against Benikrukru community. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Okejoto Ezekiel, the group urged the monarch to publicly denounce the threats and call his subjects to order.
“The Olu of Warri should be held responsible if his subjects carry out their threats. The bloody Warri crisis should not be forgotten. No group has a monopoly on violence,” the statement read.
The group also criticized Chevron, alleging that the oil giant is hesitant to comply with the court order due to its long-standing relationship with the Itsekiri.
The MPJND further accused Chevron of favoring the Itsekiri community by delaying compliance with the court ruling.
“Chevron must obey the Federal High Court judgment and stop payments to Ode-Itsekiri and Deghele communities in the Abiteye fields. It is unacceptable for Chevron to take sides in a matter that has already been settled in court,” the group stated.
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