Delta Govt Urged To Douse Ethnic Tension In Warri

A peace advocate and an undergraduate, Comrade George Tamaragbabrapa Mulade-Sheriff, has called on the Delta State government and major tribes in the Warri federal constituency to address the escalating tensions among the Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ijaw communities.

He made the call while responding to questions from journalists in Warri, Delta State.

Mulade said the Warri Federal Constituency has a history of ethnic tension, dating back to the colonial era and post-independence, lamenting that arbitrary political decisions redefined traditional boundaries and interests within the past few decades.

“The Warri crisis of the mid-1990s, which saw clashes between the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities over land and resource control, is a notable example. Despite efforts at peace-building, these tensions have persisted, often triggered by local elections, resource allocation, and political power struggles,” he said.

Mulade also revealed that resource control, ownership, and cultural and Identity disputes are other major causes of crises among these tribes.

While warning that if these tensions continue to escalate, they could lead to severe consequences such as humanitarian crises, economic disruptions and security challenges, the peace advocate solicited swift and comprehensive action from both the state and federal governments, as well as community leaders, to de-escalate the situation and establish long-term peace.

He said peace could be achieved through the creation of an inclusive dialogue platform, power sharing agreement, improving security measures and creating public awareness on peace-building.