Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has appealed for calm following a violent clash between Itsekiri and Urhobo youths in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
The confrontation, which occurred on Saturday evening, reportedly left several people injured as rival youths clashed over alleged territorial ownership. The first outbreak happened around 5:30 p.m. near the Ibo Market/Okere Road when Itsekiri youths were said to have been attacked by their Urhobo counterparts from Agbara community. A similar incident was also reported around the Okere Market, a border area between both groups.
Eyewitnesses said dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, clubs, and guns, were used during the fight. Shops were shut down abruptly, while residents locked themselves indoors as socio-economic activities ground to a halt. Security operatives, including the police and army, struggled to restore order.
Reacting through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of disrupting peace in the oil-rich city.
He reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to revitalising Warri’s infrastructure and stressed that peace remained vital to unlocking the city’s economic potential.
“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.
He called on community leaders, youth groups, and opinion leaders to promote understanding, unity, and peaceful coexistence among the ethnic groups. Oborevwori also reiterated his administration’s resolve to pursue inclusive governance and equitable development, while assuring that security agencies remain on ground to maintain law and order.
