Metro

Renewed Tension In Warri As Itsekiri, Urhobo Youths Clash

Published

9 months ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

File photo

Warri, the oil city once famed for its cultural vibrancy, was thrown into chaos on Saturday as Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) youths clashed over a disputed procession tied to the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri.

The violence erupted at midday when Agbarha youths reportedly attempted to block an Itsekiri celebratory procession moving through their territory.

Matters escalated when some of the Itsekiri youths were heard chanting “na we get Warri” (“we own Warri”), sparking outrage among the Agbarha group.

Soon, the conflict spread across the bustling Ibo Market and Okere Market areas. Traders hastily locked up their shops, while residents fled in panic as the sounds of gunshots and war cries filled the air.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of young men armed with cutlasses, planks, and stones chasing one another through narrow streets.

“I had to trek all the way from the palace to Estate because the roads were no longer safe,” one resident said, adding that the tension left many stranded and fearful.

Security operatives deployed to the flashpoints fired several shots in an attempt to restore order, but in the process, several youths sustained bullet wounds and machete cuts.

Though no fatalities had been officially recorded at press time, the number of injured remained uncertain.

The unrest has stoked fears of further escalation, as some groups of youths were reportedly planning reprisals, including threats to burn houses later in the night.

Saturday’s outbreak has, once again, reignited concerns over the fragile peace in Warri, where ethnic rivalries and territorial disputes have often flared into violence.

Only in April, during the Supreme Court–ordered delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency, both sides clashed while protesting the exercise.

Residents have criticised both the Delta State Government and Warri South Local Government Council for what they describe as “reactive” rather than preventive measures in addressing such recurring tensions.

Contacted, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident but dismissed reports of deaths. “The incident is confirmed, but there are no casualties,” he said.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

12 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.