Renewed ethnic tension in Warri as Itsekiri, Urhobo youths clash amid coronation celebrations

Tensions erupted in warri today as youths from the Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic groups clashed violently at Okere Roundabout, leaving several people injured in what appears to be a flare-up of longstanding disputes over land and territorial rights in the oil-rich city. The incident, captured in multiple videos circulating on social media, shows chaotic scenes of people fleeing amid sounds of gunfire, with some individuals sustaining different degrees of injuries on the street.

Eyewitness accounts and social media posts indicate that the clash began when Itsekiri youths, participating in a procession to mark the 4th coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, were allegedly blocked from passing through the Agbassa area by Urhobo youths. Agbassa, a predominantly Urhobo community within Warri South Local Government Area, has long been a flashpoint in ethnic rivalries. Reports suggest that the confrontation escalated quickly, involving sticks, stones, and possibly firearms, resulting in multiple injuries, including gunshot wounds. One post described the scene as “kasala” (trouble), with many people hurt and calls for restraint from local leaders.

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Videos from the scene depict people in red and white attire; traditional colors associated with Itsekiri celebrations—can be seen running alongside market vendors and bystanders. Damaged vehicles and debris litter the road, highlighting the intensity of the skirmish. No fatalities have been confirmed as of the time of this report, but social media users have shared images of wounded individuals being attended to in different hospitals, comically labeling them as “leaders of tomorrow” caught in the violence.

This renewed crisis comes against a backdrop of simmering ethnic tensions in Warri, a city historically divided among the Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw groups over land ownership, territorial rights and political representation. Disputes trace back decades, with court cases affirming Itsekiri claims to parts of Warri, though Urhobo and Ijaw communities continue to challenge these through legal and communal means.

It would be recalled that earlier this year, in May 2025, youth leaders from the Ijaw and Urhobo accused Itsekiri influencers of attempting to manipulate the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ward delineation process in Warri Federal Constituency, even dragging the name of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, into allegations of favoritism due to her purported ties. The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, intervened by inviting ethnic leaders for a round-table discussion to prevent escalation.

The situation had prompted an emergency meeting by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 5, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, who warned ethnic leaders against inciting violence, particularly via social media, and emphasized unity among the groups. “The Ijaws, Itsekiris, and Urhobos are one people,” Garba reportedly stated, urging the use of formal channels to address grievances over INEC’s halted draft proposal for ward boundaries. Despite these efforts, today’s events suggest that underlying issues, including perceived encroachments during cultural events, remain unresolved.

Read also:

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•  Olu of Warri marks 4th coronation anniversary with spectacular Boat parade in Ode-Itsekiri
• Delta Speaker pays glowing tribute to Olu of Warri on 4th Coronation Anniversary

Local authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the clash, but social media users from both sides have called for calm. One Urhobo commentator urged a “counter-attack” strategy for defense, while others clarified that the conflict was localized between Itsekiri youths and those from the Okere-Urhobo community, not a broader ethnic war. Security forces are reportedly deploying to the area to restore order, amid fears that the incident could spiral into wider unrest reminiscent of the deadly Warri crisis in the early 2000s.

Meanwhile, a social advocate and the Administrator of Umeh Need Road, Barr Duncan Afahokor has expressed deep concern over the renewed crisis. In a telephone conversation with The Trumpet Newspaper, Duncan confirmed the crisis while calling on individuals to embrace peace and dialogue.

“It is deeply troubling that, despite His Excellency’s commendable developmental strides in Warri, certain individuals remain intent on plunging the city into yet another avoidable crisis. The recent videos circulating of violent clashes are not only alarming but utterly condemnable.

“All stakeholders must rally behind Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s unwavering efforts to foster peace and unity among Delta’s diverse ethnic communities, while driving sustainable development across the region. Law enforcement agencies must act decisively to identify and prosecute those responsible, ensuring that justice prevails and peace is enhanced.” He stated.