Tension has gripped parts of Warri, Delta State, following a violent clash between Urhobo and Itsekiri youths in Odion community on Saturday, which left one person dead.
The incident reportedly began during an annual masquerade festival celebrated by Urhobo youths in the area. The situation turned violent after the celebrants attempted to extend the festival procession into the Iyara axis of the community — an area largely populated by the Itsekiri ethnic group.
According to local sources, armed youths from both ethnic groups clashed, resulting in the shooting death of an Urhobo youth. At the time of filing this report, residents have begun fleeing the area over fears of more violence and stray bullets.
Community sources told reporters that the Odion youths had gathered peacefully to celebrate their age-long cultural masquerade festival, which is an important tradition for the Urhobo people. However, they were warned not to cross into the Iyara zone, which is considered an Itsekiri stronghold.
It was alleged that the Urhobo youths chose to go ahead with the festival procession and entered the disputed area, leading to a confrontation.
“The Odion youths felt they had the right to celebrate their tradition anywhere within the community,” said one local resident who asked not to be named. “But the Itsekiris were not comfortable with that, especially in the Iyara area. That was how the fight started.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the altercation escalated quickly, with gunshots heard in the area. In the chaos, one Urhobo youth was shot and later confirmed dead. The identity of the deceased has not been made public.
Following the incident, many residents have started evacuating from the area, fearing a resurgence of ethnic violence that has plagued parts of Delta State in the past.
“We don’t know what will happen next, so people are running away with their families,” a resident said.
Security forces had not yet issued an official statement, and no arrests had been reported.
Local community leaders have reportedly begun efforts to calm tensions and prevent further violence between the two ethnic groups, who have a history of disputes over land ownership and cultural differences in the Warri axis.
The Warri region has long been a flashpoint for ethnic clashes, especially between the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic groups. Issues ranging from land disputes, political control, to cultural supremacy have led to several violent outbreaks over the years.
Saturday’s incident highlights the fragile nature of ethnic relations in some Delta communities, where traditional events and territorial boundaries continue to trigger unrest.
There are growing calls for the Delta State Government and traditional rulers to step in and restore peace before the crisis escalates.
