RismadarVoice Reporters, May 30, 2026
The Igba of Warri, Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor, has warned of escalating tensions in Warri, Delta State, cautioning that the ongoing dispute among the Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw communities could degenerate into large-scale violence if urgent intervention is not taken.
Speaking in Lagos on Friday, Ogbebor called on President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, and international bodies to intervene immediately, alleging that the situation could escalate into widespread bloodshed if left unresolved.
She expressed concern that the longstanding ethnic and land-related disputes in the area were being worsened by political interests, which she claimed have intensified divisions among the groups involved.
According to her, Warri widely regarded as an economic hub of Delta State has remained a flashpoint for decades, with recurring tensions that have previously led to loss of lives and displacement.
Ogbebor warned that failure to act decisively could lead to a repeat of past crises, particularly referencing violent clashes in the region in the late 1990s.
She further alleged that the Itsekiri people were under increasing pressure, describing the situation as one that could threaten their continued presence in their ancestral communities if not addressed.
Calling for stronger protection measures, she urged authorities to guarantee safety for all ethnic groups in Warri while ensuring justice and fairness in the handling of disputed issues.
Ogbebor also renewed calls for the creation of a separate Warri State, arguing that it would provide a more stable administrative structure and help reduce recurring conflicts in the area. She maintained that the region meets the criteria for state creation and could function effectively if granted autonomy.
She further referenced existing court judgments relating to land ownership and settlement status in Warri, insisting that legal decisions should be fully implemented to resolve lingering disputes.
The traditional leader stressed that peaceful coexistence in the region depends on adherence to judicial rulings, equitable governance, and urgent government intervention to prevent further escalation of tensions.
She urged stakeholders to act swiftly, warning that continued delay could worsen the crisis and threaten stability in one of Nigeria’s most strategically important regions.
