The Forum of Traditional Rulers of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality has issued an urgent appeal to avert a potential violent clash in Kalabari land, Rivers State, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025. The conflict arises from two groups—the NEW Associates and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone—planning separate events at the same venue, the Community Secondary School Field in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA).
A political pressure group is organizing a Thanksgiving service and grand civic reception to honor Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State (2015–2023). Simultaneously, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone, a prominent sociopolitical organization advocating for Ijaw rights in the Niger Delta, is holding its Congress at the same location and time. This overlap has raised serious concerns among local traditional rulers, who fear it could lead to bloodshed and disrupt the peace in Abalama and the broader Kalabari region.
In a statement signed by prominent leaders, including HRH King Lawrence O. O. Odum (Amanyanabo of Bakana), HRH Ene Dateme (Obonogina of Obonoma), and others, the Forum has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and security agencies to intervene. They urge both groups to cancel their events at the Abalama venue or relocate them to different days, venues, or even outside Kalabari land to prevent a crisis. The Amayanabo of Abalama has also publicly rejected the event for Wike, citing political tension and security risks as reasons for his opposition.
Recent reports highlight tensions, such as violence during local government elections in Rivers State and past incidents of insecurity along the Emohua-Kalabari road. The traditional rulers’ intervention is seen as a critical step to maintain stability in a region already strained by political and environmental challenges.
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Kalabari land, home to the Kalabari people—a sub-group of the Ijaw ethnic group—is a culturally significant area in the mangrove swamps of the Niger Delta, relying on fishing and trade. A violent clash could threaten the region’s fragile peace, disrupt local livelihoods, and escalate political divisions in Rivers State. The traditional rulers emphasize that Kalabari land must not become the “epicenter of such an impending crisis.”
It bears mentioning that the rulers recommend that both parties reconsider their plans. Security agencies are urged to monitor the situation closely and provide necessary support to prevent violence. Community leaders and stakeholders are also encouraged to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully.
