Violence broke out in Warri South Local Government Area on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as renewed tensions between Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) youths escalated into street clashes, disrupting a cultural event and stoking long-standing land disputes.
According to The Nation, the unrest began around midday when Agbarha youths reportedly attempted to block an Itsekiri procession commemorating the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri. Eyewitnesses said tensions flared after chants of “na we get Warri” (“we own Warri”) from members of the procession provoked a strong reaction from Agbarha youths.
The confrontation quickly descended into violence, spreading from the initial flashpoint to nearby areas including the Ibo and Okere markets, where panicked traders were forced to abandon their stalls and flee for safety.
Social media footage widely shared online showed groups from both communities wielding cutlasses, wooden planks, and stones. The situation prompted the deployment of security forces, who fired warning shots in a bid to disperse the fighting mobs. Several individuals reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during the intervention, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, stating: “The incident is confirmed, but there are no casualties.”
However, videos obtained by The Story showed injured Urhobo individuals receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility, casting doubt on official claims and raising concerns about the true extent of the violence.
Analysts have warned that the latest clash could further inflame the already fragile ethnic relations in Warri, a city historically marred by disputes over land ownership, political representation, and control of resources.
This latest incident follows similar unrest in April 2025 during the controversial Supreme Court-mandated delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency, which also saw both ethnic groups clash over boundary demarcations.
As of Saturday evening, the chairman of Warri South Local Government Council had yet to issue a statement on the violence, drawing criticism from civil society groups and local observers, who accused authorities of failing to act on prior warnings of possible unrest.
The renewed hostilities underscore the deep-rooted divisions in Warri and highlight the urgent need for dialogue, conflict resolution, and sustained peace-building efforts between the Itsekiri and Urhobo communities.
