By Wealth Oghenemaro
Tension enveloped the oil city of Warri on Saturday following a violent confrontation between Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) youths over renewed territorial disputes and a controversial procession.
The skirmish broke out around midday in Warri South Local Government Area when Agbarha youths allegedly attempted to halt a procession by Itsekiri youths marking the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri.
Eyewitnesses said the atmosphere turned chaotic after chants of “na we get Warri” (“we own Warri”) from the Itsekiri celebrants provoked a heated reaction from Agbarha youths.
The clash quickly spread to Ibo Market and Okere Market, forcing traders to shut their shops for fear of escalation. Videos circulating on social media showed armed youths on both sides wielding cutlasses, wooden planks, and stones.
Several persons reportedly sustained gunshot injuries as security operatives deployed to the scene fired warning shots in a bid to restore order. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, residents fear the violence could reignite deep-seated ethnic tensions over land ownership.
The incident comes months after both ethnic groups clashed during protests over the Supreme Court–ordered Warri Federal Constituency delineation exercise.
As of press time, the Warri South Local Government chairman had yet to issue an official statement, even as critics accused both the council and the state government of failing to act decisively to forestall the violence.
Confirming the incident, the Delta State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, said:
“The incident is confirmed, but there are no casualties.”
