Warri, Delta State, August 24, 2025 – In response to a violent clash between Itsekiri and Urhobo youths at Okere Roundabout in Warri, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has issued a stern directive to security agencies to apprehend or "neutralize" anyone found carrying arms. The incident, which erupted on Saturday, has heightened tensions in Warri South Local Government Area, prompting the governor to vow decisive action to prevent a repeat of the devastating ethnic conflicts that rocked the region in 1999. The directive, communicated through a statement by Udoka Emmanuel Chika-dibie, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, underscores the administration’s commitment to restoring calm and safeguarding lives in the troubled area.
A Violent Clash Reignites Ethnic Tensions
The unrest in Warri began early Saturday when a confrontation between youths from the Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic groups escalated into a violent melee at Okere Roundabout, a bustling hub in the heart of the city. According to eyewitnesses, the clash was marked by sporadic gunfire and physical assaults, with both groups engaging in aggressive attacks. Several individuals were injured, some sustaining gunshot wounds, and were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention. The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, as authorities are still assessing the scale of the violence.
The origins of the clash are not entirely clear, but preliminary reports suggest that longstanding ethnic rivalries and disputes over resources or territorial influence may have triggered the confrontation. Warri, a major oil-producing city in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, has a history of ethnic tensions, particularly between the Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw communities. These tensions have often been exacerbated by competition for economic opportunities, political representation, and control over oil-rich territories. The 1999 crisis, which the governor referenced in his statement, was a particularly dark chapter in Warri’s history, characterized by widespread violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property. The scars of that conflict remain fresh in the collective memory of the region’s residents, making the recent unrest particularly alarming.
Governor’s Response: A Call for Decisive Action
In his statement, Governor Oborevwori expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and issued a strong warning to those instigating conflict. “I am compelled to use this platform to caution all those fanning the flames of conflict in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State,” the statement read. “The administration of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori will not condone unrest among the tribes in that local government. We have directed security agents to take firm action against anyone found culpable.”
The governor’s directive to security agencies to either apprehend or neutralize armed individuals reflects the gravity of the situation and the administration’s determination to prevent further escalation. The use of the term “neutralize” has sparked debates among residents and observers, with some interpreting it as an authorization for lethal force, while others view it as a necessary measure to restore order in a volatile environment. The statement also emphasized the state’s commitment to avoiding a repeat of the 1999 crisis, with the governor pledging to take “all necessary measures” to maintain peace and protect lives.
“We are still grappling with the aftermath of the 1999 crisis and cannot afford to relapse,” the governor’s statement continued. “As a state, our focus should be on achieving meaningful accomplishments, not fighting amongst ourselves. We will take all necessary measures to prevent the escalation of tension in the troubled area.”
Security Response and Public Reaction
Eyewitness accounts of the clash paint a chaotic picture, with initial reports suggesting that police officers present at the scene did not immediately intervene to quell the violence. This apparent inaction drew criticism from some residents, who expressed frustration over the delayed response. However, armed operatives of the Nigeria Police Force later arrived at Okere Roundabout and dispersed the warring groups using tear gas. The intervention succeeded in temporarily halting the violence, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved.
The deployment of tear gas and the subsequent hospitalization of injured individuals highlight the intensity of the clash and the challenges faced by security forces in managing such conflicts. Warri’s volatile socio-political landscape, coupled with the proliferation of small arms in the region, poses significant obstacles to maintaining law and order. The governor’s call for a crackdown on armed individuals signals a broader effort to curb the circulation of illegal weapons, which have long fueled violence in the Niger Delta.
Public reaction to the governor’s statement has been mixed. Some residents commend the administration for taking a firm stance against violence, arguing that decisive action is necessary to prevent further bloodshed. “We cannot allow Warri to descend into chaos again,” said Efe Oghenekaro, a local business owner. “The governor is right to call for arrests and to stop those carrying guns. We need peace to move forward.”
Others, however, express concern over the potential for excessive force by security agents. “The word ‘neutralize’ is worrying,” said Amaka Oritsejafor, a community leader. “We want peace, but we don’t want innocent people to suffer in the process. The government must ensure that security forces act with restraint and focus on de-escalation.”
Historical Context: Warri’s Troubled Past
To fully understand the significance of the recent clash and the governor’s response, it is essential to examine Warri’s history of ethnic conflict. The city, often referred to as the “Oil City” due to its strategic importance in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, has long been a flashpoint for ethnic and communal disputes. The Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw communities, which form the majority of the population in Warri and its surrounding areas, have frequently clashed over issues such as land ownership, political representation, and access to oil revenue.
The 1999 crisis, referenced by Governor Oborevwori, was one of the most devastating episodes in Warri’s history. Sparked by disputes over the creation of local government areas and the allocation of resources, the conflict pitted the Itsekiri against the Ijaw and, to a lesser extent, the Urhobo. The violence resulted in hundreds of deaths, widespread displacement, and significant damage to infrastructure. The scars of that conflict continue to shape the region’s social and political dynamics, with lingering mistrust among ethnic groups.
Efforts to address these tensions have included peacebuilding initiatives, community dialogues, and government interventions aimed at promoting equitable development. However, the recurrence of violence, as seen in the recent clash at Okere Roundabout, underscores the fragility of these efforts and the need for sustained engagement to address the root causes of conflict.
The Broader Implications for Delta State
The clash in Warri has far-reaching implications for Delta State, a region that plays a critical role in Nigeria’s economy due to its oil and gas resources. Any escalation of violence in Warri could disrupt economic activities, deter investment, and exacerbate insecurity in the Niger Delta. The region has already grappled with militancy, oil theft, and environmental degradation, all of which have strained relations between communities and the government.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration has prioritized peace and development since taking office, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, creating jobs, and fostering unity among Delta’s diverse ethnic groups. The recent violence threatens to undermine these efforts, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy to address both the immediate security concerns and the underlying grievances fueling unrest.
Analysts argue that the government must go beyond reactive measures, such as deploying security forces, and focus on long-term solutions. These could include addressing youth unemployment, improving access to education, and promoting inclusive governance to ensure that all ethnic groups feel represented. “The youths fighting in Warri are often driven by frustration,” said Dr. Ovie Uduaghan, a political analyst based in Asaba. “They feel marginalized and see no future. The government must invest in opportunities for them and address the inequalities that fuel these conflicts.”
Security Challenges in the Niger Delta
The proliferation of small arms in the Niger Delta remains a significant challenge for security agencies. The region’s history of militancy and its strategic importance as an oil-producing hub have made it a hotspot for illegal arms trafficking. The availability of weapons has emboldened criminal elements and heightened the risk of communal clashes escalating into deadly confrontations.
Governor Oborevwori’s directive to “apprehend or neutralize” armed individuals reflects the urgency of addressing this issue. However, implementing such a policy without alienating communities or escalating tensions will require careful coordination between security agencies, local leaders, and residents. Community-based approaches, such as disarmament programs and dialogue with youth groups, could complement security operations and help build trust.
The Path Forward: Restoring Peace in Warri
As Delta State grapples with the aftermath of the clash at Okere Roundabout, the focus must shift to preventing further violence and addressing the underlying causes of unrest. The governor’s call for decisive action is a necessary step, but it must be accompanied by efforts to promote dialogue and reconciliation among the warring groups.
Community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations have a critical role to play in mediating disputes and fostering unity. The government could also leverage its authority to convene a peace summit involving representatives of the Itsekiri, Urhobo, and other ethnic groups to address grievances and chart a path toward coexistence.
Furthermore, the administration must ensure that security operations are conducted transparently and in accordance with human rights standards. The use of excessive force or indiscriminate arrests could exacerbate tensions and erode public trust in the government. Clear communication about the objectives of the crackdown and measures to protect innocent residents will be essential.
The violent clash between Itsekiri and Urhobo youths in Warri is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in Delta State. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s directive to security agencies to apprehend or neutralize armed individuals underscores the administration’s determination to restore calm and prevent a relapse into the chaos of the 1999 crisis. However, addressing the immediate security concerns is only one part of the equation. To achieve lasting peace, the government must tackle the root causes of ethnic tensions, including economic marginalization, political exclusion, and the proliferation of arms.
As Warri navigates this challenging period, the collective efforts of the government, security forces, community leaders, and residents will be crucial in ensuring that the city does not descend into further violence. By prioritizing dialogue, development, and inclusivity, Delta State can move toward a future where its diverse communities coexist harmoniously, and the scars of the past are finally healed.
