Several persons have been injured in the clash between Itsekiri and Urhobo youths in Warri South local government area of Delta State.
The violence, which occurred on Saturday, forced security personnel to fire shots in an attempt to quell the unrest.
The clash was fuelled by renewed territorial claims over a disputed celebratory procession by some Itsekiri youths who were reportedly commemorating the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri.
Eyewitnesses said Agbarha-Warri youths attempted to block the procession, alleging that the actors 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 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 markets. Shops were hurriedly shut down over fear of the conflict escalating,” an eyewitness said.
Meanwhile, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), the apex social-cultural body of the Urhobo people worldwide, has implored all stakeholders to sheathe their swords and embrace peace as the best way forward.
The president-general of UPU, Barr Ese Gam, lamented that the reported clash between his people and neighbouring Itsekiri was not palatable, as they have lived in peace for centuries.
“We wish to maintain that we are studying the matters on 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 themselves 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.
Also, Delta State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for caution and restraint, assuring that security agents are on ground to maintain peace and order.
In a statement on Saturday 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 leaders to collaborate to foster understanding, unity, and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups.
However, the exact number of those injured could not be ascertained as of the time this report was filed.
When contacted, the police public relations officer (PPRO) of Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, saying there were no casualties.
