From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja and Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Fresh tensions between the Urhobo and Itsekiri communities in Warri South Local Government Area have prompted a strong appeal for peace from Ede Dafinone, Senator representing Delta Central.
He called for restraint and dialogue amid reports of violence, including attacks on the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Secretariat in Okere-Urhobo.
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“I received with deep concern the reports of a fresh crisis between the Itsekiri and the Urhobo in Warri South,” Senator Dafinone said in a statement yesterday. “At this critical time, I appeal to all parties to exercise restraint and shun any acts of violence. I further call on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly in de-escalating the situation and ensuring the safety of all communities.”
The lawmaker condemned the reported attacks on the UPU House, which he described as a symbolic institution of Urhobo identity.
“I am particularly troubled by reports of attacks on the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) House at Okere-Urhobo, which also resulted in injuries to some Urhobo youths. Such acts are deeply regrettable, as the UPU represents the heritage and identity of the Urhobo people worldwide,” he said. “An attack on the UPU is, by extension, an attack on the entire Urhobo Nation.”
But former member, House of Representatives, Warri Federal Constituency, Daniel Reyenieju, in his response, lampooned the senator for failing to acknowledge, with the same weight, the actual violence and injuries inflicted by rampaging Urhobo youths in Agbassa.
“To be clear, I condemn all forms of violence and destruction. However, it is troubling — and indeed infuriating — that Senator Dafinone elevates damage to a building above the lives and safety of people who suffered attacks. Are we now to conclude that structures matter more than human lives?
“More dangerously, the Senator’s comment that “an attack on the UPU House is, by extension, an attack on the entire Urhobo Nation” is reckless, divisive, and unbecoming of a legislator. Such a statement amounts to ethnic incitement.
“The UPU is an important socio-cultural organisation, yes – but it does not embody or equate to the collective destiny of Warri Federal Constituency or Delta State. To frame an incident in such catastrophic ethnic terms is to deliberately inflame tensions rather than calm them.
“This is typical of Senator Dafinone — hiding under the cover of his high office to ventilate long-standing bias and ethnic sentiment. As a senator of the Federal Republic, his duty is to de-escalate, not to throw petrol on already burning embers of conflict.
“Where was his voice when innocent people were attacked by Urhobo youths of Agbassa? Why was there no equal outrage when human lives — the most sacred trust — were placed in harm’s way? Or are some lives less valuable than the symbolic UPU building?
The Warri crisis has long roots in historical disputes over land, political representation and ethnic identity between the Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ijaw groups, who have coexisted for centuries along the oil-rich creeks of Delta State. In the 1990s, violent clashes in Warri claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of residents, leaving scars that remain today.
Central to recent grievances is the delineation of electoral constituencies in Warri Federal Constituency. The Supreme Court had previously ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to undertake a review; a process many leaders believe would address claims of marginalisation and restore balance in political representation.
Dafinone urged security agencies to uphold fairness while ensuring that law and order are maintained.
“In maintaining peace and security, it is important that security agencies remain neutral, fair and proactive in order to prevent escalation,” he stressed. “The Urhobo of Warri, like all citizens, deserve protection from the Nigerian state.”
He also emphasised dialogue over force, saying, “Security measures must always prioritise dialogue, trust-building and reconciliation, as these are the surest safeguards against a recurrence of conflict.”
Reaching out to the wider community, the Senator called for a united effort by traditional authorities, community leaders and youth movements.
“I call on all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community elders, youth groups and political actors, to join hands in fostering unity, peace and mutual respect,” Dafinone said.
He further urged INEC to act decisively on the delineation matter, saying, “It is equally important that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concludes the Supreme Court–ordered delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, as this will help address long standing grievances and lay a stronger foundation for peaceful coexistence.
“The Urhobo and our Itsekiri neighbours have coexisted as brothers for decades, sharing cultural, social and economic ties that must not be destroyed by avoidable conflicts.
“Together, we can sustain the bonds of brotherhood and build a future anchored on justice and harmony.”
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