Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called for caution and restraint following reports of rising tensions between the Itsekiri and Urhobo communities in Warri South Local Government Area.
In a statement on Saturday, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Festus Ahon appealed to residents and stakeholders in the oil city to avoid any actions that could disrupt the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the area.
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Oborevwori emphasised his administration’s commitment to revitalising infrastructure in Warri, noting that sustained peace was essential to unlocking the city’s vast economic potential and supporting ongoing development projects.
“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,” he said.
He further urged community leaders, youth groups, and opinion leaders to work collaboratively in promoting understanding, unity, and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups.
The governor reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance and equitable development across Delta State, assuring that security agencies were actively maintaining law and order in the region.
Warri, the oil city once famed for its cultural vibrancy, was thrown into chaos on Saturday as Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) youths clashed over a disputed procession tied to the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri.
The violence erupted at midday when Agbarha youths reportedly attempted to block an Itsekiri celebratory procession moving through their territory.
Matters escalated when some of the Itsekiri youths were heard chanting “na we get Warri” (“we own Warri”), sparking outrage among the Agbarha group.
Soon, the conflict spread across the bustling Ibo Market and Okere Market areas. Traders hastily locked up their shops, while residents fled in panic as the sounds of gunshots and war cries filled the air.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of young men armed with cutlasses, planks, and stones chasing one another through narrow streets.
“I had to trek all the way from the palace to Estate because the roads were no longer safe,” one resident told our correspondent, adding that the tension left many stranded and fearful.
Security operatives deployed to the flashpoints fired several shots to restore order, but in the process, several youths sustained bullet wounds and machete cuts.
Though no fatalities had been officially recorded at press time, the number of injured remained uncertain.
The unrest has stoked fears of further escalation, as some groups of youths were reportedly planning reprisals, including threats to burn houses later in the night.
Saturday’s outbreak has, once again, reignited concerns over the fragile peace in Warri, where ethnic rivalries and territorial disputes have often flared into violence.
Only in April, during the Supreme Court–ordered delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency, both sides clashed while protesting the exercise.
Residents have criticised both the Delta State Government and Warri South Local Government Council for what they describe as “reactive” rather than preventive measures in addressing such recurring tensions.
