The Warri Rebirth Initiative (WRI) has announced the postponement of its planned October 1st celebration, citing rising security concerns in parts of Warri South Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Patrick Origho, the group said the decision was taken with deep regret but in the overall interest of peace and safety.
According to the statement, while the executive was deliberating on preparations, its attention was drawn to recent violent incidents recorded in the Odion Road axis during the weekend of September 25 and 26. The executive, after a security briefing, noted that the possibility of further clashes remained “clear and present.”
“Exco reasoned that the possibility of clashes is still clear and present. A further security analysis suggested that WRI needed to be sensitive to the situation on ground and as such cannot embark on any celebration in such a charged atmosphere,” the statement read in part.
The group said the decision, though painful, was necessary to safeguard the lives of its members, invited guests, and the wider community.
“This painful decision on the eve of celebrating Nigeria and Warri in particular was taken to show that Warri Rebirth Initiative cares about lives and, most importantly, peace in the area,” Origho noted.
The WRI further appealed for understanding from the public, assuring that it would continue to work with stakeholders to strengthen peace in Warri and reschedule the celebration once calm is restored.
