WARRI — Panic gripped Warri, Delta State, on Tuesday evening as renewed hostilities between Ijaw and Itsekiri youths escalated into violence, leaving residents scampering for safety.
Witnesses claimed one person was shot dead in the confrontation, allegedly by an Itsekiri youth, while gunfire reportedly echoed across parts of the oil city. Terrified residents, including both Ijaw and Itsekiri indigenes, fled their homes amid fears of reprisal attacks.
However, the Delta State Police Command denied reports of any fatalities. Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe told DAILY POST in Warri that “nobody died during the incident,” clarifying instead that one person sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
The crisis reportedly stemmed from Ijaw youths’ anger over the removal of billboards celebrating the 10th coronation anniversary of the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh, HRM Monbene III. The billboards, erected at key spots in Warri, were allegedly pulled down by policemen attached to the Warri Area Command, sparking a protest at the station.
In response to the unrest, Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, confirmed that security personnel had been deployed to restore order. He also appealed to Ijaw and Itsekiri leaders to caution their youths against violence and uphold the rule of law.
The situation remains tense as residents fear further escalation if not swiftly contained.
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