Violence Erupts in Warri as Youth Clashes Over Procession Marking Olu’s Anniversary

An orgy of violence, on Saturday, erupted in Warri, commercial hub of Delta State following clashes between Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) youth groups over a disputed procession marking the fourth anniversary of the Olu of Warri’s coronation.

The violence broke out around noon when Agbarha youths allegedly tried to block an Itsekiri procession traveling through their area.

Tensions intensified when some Itsekiri youths chanted “na we get Warri” (“we own Warri”), provoking anger among the Agbarha group.

The conflict quickly spread to key markets such as Ibo Market and Okere Market, with traders hurriedly closing their shops and residents fleeing amid gunfire and war cries.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of young men armed with cutlasses, planks, and stones chasing each other through narrow streets.

A resident recounted, “I had to trek from the palace to Estate because the roads became unsafe,” highlighting the widespread fear and displacement caused by the violence.

Security forces responded by firing shots to disperse the crowds; however, several youths sustained gunshot and machete injuries. No fatalities have been officially reported, though the number of injured remains unknown.

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There are fears that the unrest could escalate further, as some youth groups have allegedly threatened to retaliate by setting fire to houses later in the night.

The incident has renewed longstanding concerns over the fragile peace in Warri, which has a history of ethnic tensions and territorial disputes erupting into violence. Notably, just in April, protests erupted during a Supreme Court-mandated ward delineation exercise of the Warri Federal Constituency.

State Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe confirmed the incident but denied reports of fatalities, stating, “The incident is confirmed, but there are no casualties.”