UNPROVOKED ATTACK ON KANTU COMMUNITY AND INCESSANT ASSAULTS ON ITSEKIRI COMMUNITIES BY MILITANTS ALLEGEDLY LINKED TO EX-MILITANT TOMPOLO: A CALL FOR URGENT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

The Warri Media Group strongly condemns the continued aggression against Itsekiri communities by armed militants allegedly acting under the directive of ex-militant Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

The most recent attack occurred on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, when militants invaded Kantu community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, disrupting traditional festivities held in accordance with Itsekiri custom. The assailants reportedly brutalized women and children and abducted seven persons, including the community’s Olaraja, Pa. Edwin Atikan, alongside Odugba, Bolowe, Amojor Adidi, Godwin Eyiangho, and two others yet to be officially named. The victims were taken to an undisclosed location by operatives believed to be affiliated with Tantita Security Services.

This latest aggression is part of a disturbing pattern. Over the past six months, other Itsekiri communities—including Ajelebe and Ajagbodudu—have also come under siege. In the case of Ajagbodudu, Tantita operatives reportedly stormed the area under the guise of pipeline surveillance, leading to the displacement of residents, injuries, and destruction of property.

Warri Media Group views these sustained hostilities as a blatant violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law.

Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states:

“Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons…”

Nigeria, as a signatory to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, is also bound by:

 • Article 10(1): “Every individual shall have the right to free association provided that he abides by the law.”

 • Article 11: “Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others.”

These are not mere provisions on paper. They are enforceable legal rights that must be respected by all persons, institutions, and security contractors operating within the Nigerian Federation.

We call on:

 • His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

 • Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State

 • The National Security Adviser

 • The Chief of Army Staff

 • The Inspector General of Police

to urgently intervene, halt these incessant provocations, and secure the immediate and unconditional release of the seven abducted Itsekiris.

Continued inaction will only embolden further lawlessness and may ultimately compel the affected communities to resort to self-help, which poses a greater threat to regional stability.

The Itsekiri people seek peace—but not at the expense of their dignity, safety, and homeland.

Signed on behalf of Warri Media Group:

Quincy Onuwaje

Lily-white O. Esigbone

Ajemijeroma Gabriel Mene-Ejegi

Etseonurun Oritseweyinmi Laura

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