The Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC) has warned against any attempt to alter the territorial status of communities in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, insisting that the area remains the ancestral homeland of the Itsekiri people.

The group vowed to resist any alleged attempt by National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to allocate Itsekiri land to the Ijaw in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Aperrancs Afejuku, the group alleged that there were moves to allocate portions of Itsekiri land to the Ijaw ethnic group under ongoing discussions surrounding ward delineation in the area. The council maintained that such actions would be strongly resisted by Itsekiri youths.

According to the council, issues concerning the ownership and identity of communities in Warri South have already been settled by the courts, particularly the Supreme Court, and should not be reopened through political or administrative arrangements. The group further claimed that there are no Ijaw communities within Warri South LGA, stressing that any decision contrary to existing judicial pronouncements would be unacceptable.

The youth body also distanced itself from ongoing negotiations reportedly involving government agencies, political leaders and other stakeholders over ward delineation and power-sharing arrangements in the local government area. It stated that any agreements reached without the involvement or consent of Itsekiri youths would not be binding on them.

The INYC called on relevant authorities to ensure that all decisions relating to electoral boundaries and ward delineation in Warri South are guided by historical records and existing court judgments. The council reaffirmed its commitment to protecting what it described as the collective heritage and territorial integrity of the Itsekiri people.