Oborevwori Urges Restraint After Ethnic Clash in Warri

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for peace in Warri, following clashes between Itsekiri and Urhobo youths on Saturday at Okere Roundabout in Warri South Local Government Area.

The governor made the call in a statement issued via his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon.

“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 statement said.

Governor Oborevwori also urged residents and community leaders to exercise restraint, stressing that peace was essential for the city’s ongoing development and revitalisation projects.

Eyewitnesses reported gunfire and injuries during the clashes, prompting a heavy security presence in the area. Hospitals have received multiple victims, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear.

The clash reportedly started when some Itsekiri youths, dressed in traditional attire, were allegedly prevented from passing through a route popularly known as Ibo market by youths from the Agbarha kingdom, who claimed ownership of the route. An eyewitness, speaking anonymously to Warri Sentinel, said the Agbarha youths were initially resisted. However, they later regrouped and carried out a reprisal attack on the nearby Itsekiri community of Okere.

Warri Sentinel can confirm that a security meeting between the state governor and stakeholders is ongoing at the government house in Asaba as of the time of this report.