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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Uneasy calm pervaded Warri, the commercial hub of Delta State, after an orgy of violence erupted on Saturday following clashes between Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) youth groups over a disputed procession marking the fourth anniversary of the Olu of Warri’s coronation.
This came as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in a swift response to the fisticuffs, called for caution and restraint in a statement on Saturday, August 23, 2025, by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon.
The governor appealed to residents and other 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.
Governor Oborevwori urged community leaders, youth groups, and opinion moulders to work together in fostering understanding, unity, and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to promote inclusive governance and equitable development across the state.
He assured that security agents were on the ground to maintain peace and order.
Trouble was said to have started around noon on Saturday, August 23, 2025, when Agbarha youths allegedly tried to block an Itsekiri procession travelling through their area.
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Tensions intensified when some Itsekiri youths chanted “na we get Warri” (“we own Warri”), provoking anger among the Agbarha group.
The conflict quickly spread to key markets such as Ibo Market and Okere Market, with traders hurriedly closing their shops and residents fleeing amid gunfire and war cries.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of young men armed with cutlasses, planks, and stones chasing each other through narrow streets.
A resident recounted, “I had to trek from the palace to Estate because the roads became unsafe,” highlighting the widespread fear and displacement caused by the violence.
Security forces responded by firing shots to disperse the crowds; however, several youths sustained gunshot and machete injuries. No fatalities have been officially reported, though the number of injured remains unknown.
There are fears that the unrest could escalate further, as some youth groups have allegedly threatened to retaliate by setting fire to houses later in the night.
The incident has renewed longstanding concerns over the fragile peace in Warri, which has a history of ethnic tensions and territorial disputes erupting into violence. Notably, in April 2025, protests erupted during a Supreme Court-mandated ward delineation exercise of the Warri Federal Constituency.
State Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe confirmed the incident but denied reports of fatalities, stating, “The incident is confirmed, but there are no casualties.”
