By WARRI, Delta State, was tense on Tuesday evening following a clash between Ijaw and Itsekiri youths, during which one person was reportedly injured.
Residents said the disturbance began after disagreements linked to the removal of billboards celebrating the 10th coronation anniversary of the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh, HRM Monbene III.
The billboards, which had been mounted in strategic parts of the town, were alleged to have been pulled down by police officers, prompting protests by Ijaw youths at the Warri Area Command.
The situation later escalated into a confrontation between Ijaw and Itsekiri youths.
Speaking on the development, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said in a telephone interview that no lives were lost.
He confirmed that one person sustained injuries and was receiving treatment in hospital.
Edafe added that security operatives had been deployed to Warri to maintain peace and prevent further violence.
The Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, appealed to leaders of both ethnic groups to counsel their youths and promote peaceful coexistence, stressing the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue.
Meanwhile, human rights activist Comrade Austin Ozobo described the incident as regrettable and urged the police to exercise caution in handling community matters.
He also called for an investigation into the circumstances that led to the removal of the billboards.
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