A violent incident marred the ongoing Itsekiri celebration, which commenced on the 19th and was set to continue until today 23rd of August. The celebration, marking the coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, had taken a dark turn when tensions between the Itsekiri and Urhobo communities escalated into violence.
Despite the Urhobo people having designated areas in Warri, such as Idimisobo and Agbassa, where they reside as settlers, a group of individuals from these areas allegedly launched a premeditated attack on Itsekiri youths celebrants. The Itsekiri youths were participating in a rally around the city, celebrating their monarch’s coronation anniversary which is a usual culture as original owners of city when they were suddenly attacked and shot at by the Urhobo group.
The attack was seen as an act of envy and malice, with the Urhobo group seemingly motivated by a desire to disrupt the Itsekiri celebration. The incident resulted in six Itsekiri individuals being seriously injured, with their condition currently uncertain. The severity of the attack has raised concerns about the safety and security of the Itsekiri community.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are being assessed to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences. It appears that the Idimi Sobo and Agbassa communities, where the attackers allegedly came from, have played a role in the violence. The attack has been condemned, with some of the attackers accusing the Itsekiri celebrants of overstepping boundaries. However, the use of violence and malicious intent seems unjustifiable, and the incident has sparked concerns about the relationship between the Itsekiri and Urhobo communities in Warri.
