A serious crisis is currently brewing in Warri, Delta State, as some Itsekiri youths on Monday staged a violent protest at the popular Okumagba Estate in Okere-Urhobo land over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation.
The Itsekiri youths bore placards with different inscriptions as they chanted war songs, attacking the image and person of High Chief (Dr.) Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and his private security firm, TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, as well as the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The Itsekiri youths also threatened war with their Ijaw neighbours and the Urhobos of Warri if INEC does not rescind its decision on the ward delineation.
Our correspondent, who monitored activities in the town today, reports that the Okere-Urhobo youths displayed maturity by ignoring their Itsekiri counterparts, who were out to incite and reignite the Warri fratricidal war over the matter.
The Ijaw youths did not come out, as they minded their business after celebrating late Maj. Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro’s day last week.
National President of Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), Comrade Austin Ozobo, in a reaction, said what the Itsekiri youths did was an invasion of Ijaw communities in NPA and Okere-Urhobo land.
“They went to a business premises and attacked people, destroyed vehicles, and injured people.”
According to Comrade Ozobo, “The Itsekiris’ action is a call for war. But I spoke with people who suffered unlawful attacks and invasion from the Itsekiris’ irate youth to remain calm and law-abiding.”
He called on the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi, to investigate today’s incident at NPA and bring to book the erring Itsekiri youths for the interest of peace.
The Okere-Urhobo youth president could not be reached for comments at the time of this report.
