PANDEF Decries Violence In Warri, Calabar, Asaba, Seeks Probe

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the disturbing incidents of political violence recorded in Warri/Effurun, Calabar and Asaba, and called for an immediate halt and thorough investigation.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PhD, OON, PANDEF said it notes with very serious concern the incidents, describing them as a sacrilege to peaceful coexistence in the Niger Delta.

“The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) notes with very serious concern and strongly condemns the disturbing incidents of political violence recorded around our region. Most worrisome are the sad events which occurred in the

Warri/Effurun axis on Friday, 18th September 2026; in Calabar on Wednesday, 4th November, 2026 and most recently, the incident in Asaba on Saturday, 7th November 2026 in which a life was lost!” the Forum said.

“Indeed, as the mother body of the peoples of the region, PANDEF views these developments as a sacrilege to our peaceful co-existence in the Niger Delta and strongly condemns them,” it added.

PANDEF restated that violence, intimidation and political thuggery are alien to the spirit, values and traditions of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and political forbearance for which the people of the South-South are known.

“PANDEF wishes to restate that violence, intimidation and political thuggery are alien to the spirit, values and traditions of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and political forbearance for which the people of the South-South are known. This is what we inherited from our founding fathers and MUST be sustained,” it said.

The Forum reminded leaders, supporters and stakeholders of political parties to demonstrate maturity and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship in resolving political differences.

“The Forum reminds all leaders, supporters and stakeholders of political parties to demonstrate maturity and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship in resolving political differences where they arise. The leaders of political groups must recognise their sacred responsibility to guide their followers and discourage every form of inflammatory rhetoric, provocation and conduct capable of triggering violence,” it said.

PANDEF made a special appeal to youths of the Niger Delta not to allow themselves to be used as cannon fodder and instruments of political violence, thuggery or intimidation.

“PANDEF hereby makes a special appeal to the youths of the Niger Delta not to allow themselves to be used as cannon fodder, instruments of political violence, thuggery or intimidation. Our young people as primary focus of our democratic governance are the future of our region and should channel their energy and zeal towards peaceful and constructive political activism. This must not be sacrificed on the altar of depraved interests of few selfish political actors,” it said.

On the incidents, the Forum urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to undertake urgent, thorough investigations in the various locations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and masterminds.

“Regarding what has happened, we urge the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to undertake urgently, thorough investigations in the various locations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and masterminds, and ensure that they are brought to book,” it said.

PANDEF advised political parties and their leadership to, as much as possible, organise rallies and large gatherings in properly walled or secured venues, with adequate security arrangements whenever transit movements become necessary.

“We advise that political parties and their leadership should, as much as possible, organise rallies and large gatherings in properly walled or secured venues, with adequate security arrangements whenever transit movements become necessary. This will facilitate better crowd control, minimise the risk of clashes and ensure the safety of all concerned,” it said.

The Forum called on all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the region above partisan considerations and work together to preserve peace, protect lives and property, and sustain the values of mutual forbearance that bind them together as a people.

“We therefore call on all stakeholders to place the collective interest of our region above partisan considerations and work together to preserve peace, protect lives and property, and sustain the values of mutual forbearance that bind us together as a people,” it said.

“Finally, PANDEF insists that the entire South-South must remain a region of peace, tolerance, mutual respect and responsible democratic engagement throughout this election season and beyond,” it added.