BREAKING NEWS: Ijaw Youths Attack Peaceful Itsekiri Protesters at NPA Miller Waterside

Warri, Delta State Monday, May 19, 2025

What began as a peaceful protest by Itsekiri youths in Warri turned violent earlier today when a group of Ijaw youths launched an unprovoked attack at the NPA Miller Waterside, resulting in serious injuries to more than ten demonstrators.

The Itsekiri youths had taken to the streets in a coordinated and non-violent rally to protest the recent ward and unit delineation exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Warri Federal Constituency. The protesters allege that the delineation is skewed and marginalizes the Itsekiri ethnic group.

The procession, which began in the early hours of the morning, moved through major parts of Warri, including Rice Farm, Estate Roundabout, Okere Roundabout, Igbo Market, Agbassa, Main Market, and Warri Club, before proceeding to the NPA and Miller Waterside.

Eyewitnesses reported that as the peaceful demonstrators arrived at the Miller Waterside, an area that includes the Tunde Smooth Jetty, tensions escalated rapidly. As Ijaw youths, believed to be tenants and workers at the jetty, began throwing stones, bottles, and other dangerous objects at the protesters.

“It was sudden and shocking,” said an Itsekiri youth leader who requested anonymity. “We were marching peacefully, singing solidarity songs and calling for fairness in the INEC delineation report when, out of nowhere, they started attacking us. It was clearly planned.”

Over ten Itsekiri youths sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Some were seen bleeding profusely from head wounds and lacerations caused by sharp objects.

Security forces quickly intervened. Troops of the Nigerian Army have since begun intensive patrols around the NPA Miller axis and adjoining areas such as Ekurede Itsekiri and Ugbori, aiming to restore calm and prevent any retaliatory violence.

This incident is the latest flareup in a long standing history of ethnic tension in Warri, a city known for its fragile peace among the Itsekiris and her tenants (Ijaws and Urhobos).

In response to the rising tensions, a high level stakeholders’ meeting has been convened in Abuja by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The meeting, scheduled for 12 noon today, is expected to include key representatives of the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo communities. The objective is to de-escalate the situation and foster dialogue over the disputed INEC delineation exercise.

Community leaders and civil society groups have condemned the attack and are urging restraint from all sides. There are growing calls for INEC to revisit the delineation process to ensure transparency, fairness, and equitable representation for all ethnic groups within the constituency.

Meanwhile, the Itsekiri protesters has vowed not to be intimidated, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful advocacy while calling on security agencies to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of today’s attack.

As of press time, the situation remains tense but under control, with security personnel maintaining a heavy presence in the affected areas.