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Warri Indigenous People’s Movement Accuses Tantita Security of Oppression, Calls for Contract Review
Joel Ajayi
The Warri Indigenous People’s Movement (WIPM) has condemned what it described as a campaign of oppression, intimidation, and illegal annexation of Itsekiri communities by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, operated by ex-militant leader Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
In a statement signed by WIPM Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Tenumah, and General Secretary, Comrade Monoyo Edon, the group criticized what it called a deliberate attempt by Tompolo and his associates to divert attention from a peaceful protest and formal petition submitted by the group in Abuja on June 18, 2025.
The protest highlighted alleged abuses and contract violations by Tantita Security in the Warri area of Delta State.
WIPM clarified that their opposition is not rooted in ethnicity or Tompolo’s Ijaw background, noting that many Itsekiris have previously supported his security contract.
However, the group insists the current issue is about the misuse of power and the alleged deviation from the original purpose of the surveillance contract.
“We are not against Tompolo’s contract. But what we oppose is the use of that contract as a tool for land annexation, unlawful arrests, and ethnic subjugation,” the statement read.
The group expressed disappointment at some Itsekiris working with Tantita, accusing them of compromising the interest of their people in exchange for financial benefits.
“They have chosen personal gain over the welfare of the Itsekiri people. Their defense of Tantita’s activities in our communities is both shameless and hypocritical,” the statement added.
According to WIPM, Tantita operatives have been involved in forceful invasions of communities such as Usor, Tisun, Ajelebe, Akpata, Kantu, and Ijaghala—allegedly arresting residents, torturing them, and attempting to erase their Itsekiri identity.
The group also alleged that Tantita operatives recently arrested workers from a telecom firm, Globacom, who were working in Kantu, an Itsekiri community. They further claimed that during the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation exercise, in collaboration with some government officials, there were attempts to rename and reassign Itsekiri communities to Ijaw identities.
“These actions not only threaten our people but also violate Section 257 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which holds host communities responsible for the protection of oil assets within their domain,” the statement said.
WIPM argued that continued operations by Tantita in the Warri area will lead to further unrest, urging President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to reassign the surveillance contract in the area to competent Itsekiri security outfits.
“This is not a call against contracts for other ethnic groups. It is a call against annexation, abuse of power, and ethnic intimidation. Our communities deserve protection and respect, not subjugation under the guise of security operations,” the statement concluded.
WIPM vowed to resist what it described as an ongoing attempt to undermine the Itsekiri political and economic identity, while calling for fairness, transparency, and accountability in the allocation and execution of security contracts in the Niger Delta.
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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles
Joel Ajayi
At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.
Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.
What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.
Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.
In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.
Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.
“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”
She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”
The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.
Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”
For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”
Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”
Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.
Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.
Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.
With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.
Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.
“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.
He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.
“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”
Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.
“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”
He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”
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