Warri, a city in Delta State, Nigeria, is currently facing serious tension after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced new boundaries for the Warri Federal Constituency.
On Sunday night, violence broke out on Odion Road in Warri South Local Government Area. One person was shot dead, and several houses were set on fire. Security forces, including soldiers and police, have been deployed to restore peace in the area.
The violence appears linked to INEC’s new political map of the area, which was based on a Supreme Court order. Some Itsekiri youths are protesting, saying the new arrangement has taken away their political rights. A respected Itsekiri chief, Eyewuoma, said the community will fight for justice through legal means.
The new map seems to benefit the Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic groups more than the Itsekiris. This has created fresh tension between the communities. The man who was killed is believed to be from the Ijaw group, which could make the situation worse.
Last Friday, INEC presented the final report of the constituency changes to leaders of the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw groups in a meeting in Asaba. The INEC chairman, represented by a commissioner, thanked the stakeholders for their cooperation and said the report was a result of several meetings and community involvement.
According to the new report:
- In Warri North, the Ijaws now have 10 wards, while the Itsekiris have 8.
- In Warri South West, the Ijaws have 15 wards, and the Itsekiris only 4.
- In Warri South, the Ijaws have 3 wards out of 20, with the Urhobos holding the majority.
Many fear that this change could lead to more clashes between the ethnic groups, especially if they feel unfairly treated in the new political setup.
