Violence: Itsekiri, Urhobo Youths Fight Over Control of Warri
Chaotic scene of armed Itsekiri and Urhobo youths
By Reporter
The rivalry between the Itsekiri tribe and Urhobo tribe has been renewed with the youths drawn from both ethnic groups attacking each other with dangerous weapons.
Most of the streets were deserted over the weekend as angry youths branded machetes and other weapons roamed the streets.
On Saturday, residents were forced to stay indoors as Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) youths engaged in a violent clash over renewed territorial claims.
Reports revealed that trouble started on Saturday in Warri South Local Government Area, following a disputed celebratory procession by some Itsekiri youths who were reportedly commemorating the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri.
It was gathered that Agbarha-Warri youths attempted to block the procession alleging that the actors were crossing their territorial land.
The incident quickly turned violent as Agbarha youths reacted angrily to chants of “we own Warri”, “na we get Warri” from the celebrating Itsekiri youths.
The altercation, led to closing of shops as youths brandished cutlasses, wooden planks, and stones and the violence escalated to the Ibo Market and Okere Market areas.
In the process, unconfirmed number of youths were reported to have sustained bullet wounds after security personnel at the scene fired shots in an attempt to quell the unrest.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has appealed for caution and restraint following heightened tensions between the Itsekiri and Urhobo communities in Warri South Local Government Area.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor urged residents and stakeholders to avoid actions that could disrupt peace and stability in the area.
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