Tension has gripped residents of Warri, Delta State, following a violent clash between Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) youths on Saturday afternoon. The conflict, which erupted in the oil-rich city’s Warri South Local Government Area, was reportedly triggered by renewed territorial disputes and a contested celebratory procession.
The violence broke out around noon when Agbarha-Warri youths allegedly attempted to block an Itsekiri procession marking the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri. According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated after chants of “na we get Warri” (“we own Warri”) from the celebrating Itsekiri group provoked a hostile response.
The unrest quickly spread to areas around Ibo Market and Okere Market, where businesses shut down amid fears of escalating violence. Viral videos circulating on social media show youths from both sides wielding cutlasses, wooden planks, and stones.
Several individuals reportedly sustained gunshot injuries after security forces fired into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd, reports said. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, the incident has raised concerns about the potential resurgence of longstanding ethnic tensions over land and territorial claims.
As of press time, the chairman of Warri South Local Government Council had yet to issue a statement on the incident.
Criticism has also been directed at both the Delta State Government and the local council, with some accusing them of failing to act proactively to prevent the clash.
The violence comes months after tensions flared during the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency in April, which also saw clashes between both groups over similar territorial grievances.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident but said, “The incident is confirmed, but there are no casualties.”
