By Hosea Parah, Abuja

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the recent incidents of political violence in Warri, Calabar and Asaba, calling on security agencies to launch immediate and thorough investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The Forum expressed concern over the incidents, particularly the latest violence recorded in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, which reportedly resulted in the loss of a life.

In a press statement dated November 9, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PhD, OON, PANDEF described the incidents as a threat to peaceful coexistence in the Niger Delta and a departure from the region’s traditional values of tolerance, mutual respect and political forbearance.

The Forum also recalled the violence recorded around the Warri/Effurun axis on September 18, 2026, and in Calabar on November 4, 2026, warning that the growing trend of political intolerance could undermine peace and democratic participation across the South-South region.

PANDEF stressed that violence, intimidation and political thuggery were alien to the values and traditions inherited from the founding fathers of the Niger Delta, insisting that such principles must be preserved, particularly during the election season.

It urged political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to demonstrate maturity and sportsmanship in handling political disagreements.

According to the Forum, political leaders have a responsibility to guide their supporters and discourage inflammatory statements, provocations and actions capable of triggering violence.

PANDEF also issued a strong appeal to youths across the Niger Delta not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, thuggery or intimidation.

The Forum described young people as the future of the region, urging them to channel their energy towards peaceful and constructive political participation rather than serving the interests of selfish political actors.

“Our young people 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 a few selfish political actors,” the statement said.

On security, PANDEF called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the incidents in the affected locations.

It urged the agencies to identify and apprehend both the immediate perpetrators and masterminds behind the violence, stressing that those found culpable must be brought to justice.

The Forum further advised political parties and their leaders to organise rallies and large gatherings in properly secured venues, with adequate security arrangements, particularly where movement of supporters and political groups is involved.

It noted that such measures would improve crowd control, minimise the possibility of clashes and protect the lives and property of participants.

Reaffirming the need for collective responsibility, PANDEF called on political stakeholders to place the interests of the Niger Delta above partisan considerations and work together to preserve peace and democratic values.

The Forum maintained that the South-South region must remain a zone of peace, tolerance, mutual respect and responsible democratic engagement throughout the election season and beyond.

“The entire South-South must remain a region of peace, tolerance, mutual respect and responsible democratic engagement through this election season and beyond,” PANDEF declared.