The celebratory procession marking the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri has led to a serious crisis.
Several youths sustained bullet wounds after security personnel fired shots in an attempt to quell the unrest between the Itsekiri and Urhobo in Warri South Local Government Area on Saturday.
The violent clash, triggered by renewed territorial claims, began around noon following a dispute involving some Itsekiri youths who were reportedly commemorating the Olu of Warri’s anniversary.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that Agbarha-Warri youths attempted to block the procession, alleging that the participants were crossing their territorial land.
“The incident turned violent when Agbarha youths reacted angrily to chants of “We own Warri”, “Na we get Warri” from the celebrating Itsekiri youths.
“During the altercation, youths from both sides reportedly resorted to brandishing cutlasses, wooden planks and other dangerous items. The violence escalated to the Ibo and Okere market areas. Shops were hastily shut down over fear of the conflict escalating,” an eyewitness revealed.
The Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, the apex socio-cultural body of the Urhobo people worldwide, has lamented the reported clash between its people and the neighbouring Itsekiri community.
UPU President-General, Barr Ese Gam, implored all stakeholders to sheath their swords and embrace peace, stressing that it was the best way forward.
He said the crisis was regrettable, noting that both groups had lived in peace for centuries.
“We wish to maintain that we are studying the matters of discourse and we are ready to do everything to protect our people no matter what and we are no longer ready to stand and watch these incessant attacks repeat itself again.
“We call on all Urhobo sons and daughters to remain calm and maintain law and order. We urge you to not take laws into your hands as our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is a man of Peace.
“It is very unfortunate that such reports are emanating at this period of time that we are looking forward to promoting our ever peaceful existence with other ethnic groups in Nigeria,” Gam stated.
On Sunday, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, called for caution and restraint, assuring that security agents were on ground to maintain peace and order.
The governor, in a statement on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, appealed to residents and stakeholders in the oil city to shun all actions capable of disrupting the existing peace and stability in the area.
He assured that his administration remained committed to revitalising infrastructure in Warri, stressing that peace was crucial to unlocking the city’s huge economic potential and sustaining ongoing development efforts.
“We appeal to all stakeholders to support our efforts in revitalising infrastructure in Warri and avoid all acts capable of truncating the current peace in the oil-rich city,” the governor said.
Oborevwori urged community leaders, youth groups, and opinion moulders to work together in fostering understanding, unity, and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups.
However, the exact number of those injured could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, stating that there were no casualties.
Several injured during Delta monarch’s coronation anniversary
