Nigeria: Ethnic violence in Warri, Delta State, especially between Ijaw and Itsekeri people and treatment of Ijaw in Warri
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 April 1998 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | NGA29172.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Nigeria: Ethnic violence in Warri, Delta State, especially between Ijaw and Itsekeri people and treatment of Ijaw in Warri, 1 April 1998, NGA29172.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac1748.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Ethnic violence reportedly broke out between the Ijaws and the Itsekeris in March 1997 following a government decision to relocate the headquarters of the Warri south local government council from an Ijaw community to a community belonging to the Itsekeris (AFP 23 Apr. 1997; Deutsch Presse-Agentur 16 June 1997; ibid. 24 Apr. 1997; Reuters 27 Apr. 1997). With a population of approximately five million people, the Ijaw are reportedly Nigeria's fourth largest ethnic group. However, they are scattered in six states, which makes them minorities in these states (Reuters 27 Apr. 1997). The relocation of the municipality to Warri allegedly angered the Ijaws who interpreted this as "further evidence of their marginalization" (ibid.). An AFP report claims that more than 80 people died in the clashes and the army was ordered to intervene (28 Apr. 1997).
According to a 19 - 25 May 1997 West Africa report, the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities had resolved to end hostilities that "had lasted seven weeks" (783)." The agreement was reportedly reached at a peace meeting of youths and leaders of the two ethnic groups at Effon, near Warri. The meeting was presided over by the the state administrator Colonel David Dungs, and the general officer commanding the 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Felix Mojapero. "The ethnic groups also gave an undertaking to release all captured persons on both sides and also return all seized properties owned by oil companies" (ibid.).
Information as to which side the police supported and on the current situation could not be found among the sources currently available to the Research Directorate.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Agence France Presse (AFP). 28 April 1998. "Five Killed in Nigerian Ethnic Unrest." (NEXIS)
_____. 23 April 1997. "Nigeria Deploys Troops After Five More Killed in Warri" (NEXIS)
Deutsche Presse-Agentur. 16 June 1997. "Warri Fighting Flares Up Again in Nigeria." (NEXIS)
_____. 24 April 1997. "Ethnic Fighting in Nigeria, Three Killed." (NEXIS)
Reuters. 27 April 1997. James Jukwey. "Nigeria Risks Ogoni-type Crisis in Tribal Feud."
West Africa [London]. 19 -25 May 1997. "Warri Peace Talks."
