Itsekiri, Ijaw youths clash amidst peaceful Warri protest

DDM News

A mild confrontation erupted between protesting Itsekiri youths and a group of Ijaw youths on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Warri, Delta State.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the incident occurred at the NPA Miller Waterside around 10:45 a.m., drawing the attention of security operatives to the area.

The Itsekiri youths had embarked on a peaceful protest, marching through specific streets in Warri to express their displeasure over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ward and unit delineation report for Warri Federal Constituency.

Tensions escalated when some Ijaw youths reportedly threw stones at the protesting Itsekiri group as they passed through the NPA Miller axis, triggering a confrontation.

Eyewitnesses said the protest had remained peaceful until the alleged attack by the Ijaw youths, which led to a momentary exchange before security forces stepped in.

To prevent a breakdown of law and order, soldiers from the Nigerian Army were quickly deployed to patrol the NPA Miller area and the Ekurede Itsekiri/Ugbori axis.

The presence of the army helped restore calm, although tensions remained high among the communities involved.

The protest was part of ongoing resistance by Itsekiri youths, who claim that INEC’s delineation unfairly favors other ethnic groups in the Warri Federal Constituency.

The Itsekiris have argued that the new delineation marginalizes their population and political voice, a concern that has continued to stir anger and demonstrations.

In response to the growing unease, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to address the issues fueling the crisis.

The meeting, scheduled for 12 noon in Abuja, is expected to host representatives from the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo ethnic groups.

Authorities believe the high-level dialogue will help calm the situation and set a path toward lasting peace among the groups in Warri.

The meeting is also aimed at clarifying INEC’s controversial report and finding an inclusive solution that would satisfy all affected communities.

This is not the first time ethnic tensions have flared in Warri over issues of political representation, resource allocation, or boundary delineations.

Over the years, the Warri region has experienced several ethnic clashes, particularly among the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo, often stemming from disputes over land and political marginalization.

Security experts say that early intervention by the federal government is crucial to preventing the situation from escalating into full-blown violence.

Community leaders across the affected groups have been urged to prevail on their youths to remain calm and allow for peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Human rights activists in the region have also called for transparency in the INEC delineation process, insisting that no ethnic group should be shortchanged.

The protesters say the federal government must ensure fairness in political mapping, which significantly impacts resource distribution and electoral outcomes.

As of press time, the army patrols remain in place, and there have been no reports of injuries or arrests connected to the clash.

However, the situation is being closely monitored by local and national authorities, especially with the stakeholders’ meeting underway in Abuja.

Observers hope the meeting will yield practical resolutions and restore unity among the ethnic groups in the politically sensitive Warri region.

Meanwhile, residents have been advised to go about their lawful activities with caution, as security agencies continue to maintain order in the affected areas.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to follow the situation and provide updates as they unfold.

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