Warri, Delta State, was thrown into tension on Saturday afternoon as several youths sustained gunshot injuries following a violent clash between Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) groups over renewed territorial claims.
The unrest erupted around noon in Warri South Local Government Area when a disputed celebratory procession by some Itsekiri youths, marking the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, ran into resistance from Agbarha youths.
Eyewitnesses said trouble started when the Agbarha group attempted to block the procession, accusing the celebrants of crossing into their territory. Tempers flared after the Itsekiri youths reportedly chanted “we own Warri” and “na we get Warri,” sparking a violent confrontation.
The clash quickly escalated, with both sides wielding cutlasses, wooden planks, and stones.
Panic spread to the Ibo Market and Okere Market areas as traders hastily shut down shops to avoid being caught in the violence.
Security operatives deployed to the scene fired gunshots in an attempt to disperse the rival youths.
In the ensuing melee, several persons were said to have sustained bullet wounds, though the actual number of injured victims could not be independently confirmed as of press time.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the clash but said that “there are no casualties.”
