Two persons has been reportedly shot dead in a renewed clash between the Iwhreko and Ekiugbo communities over control of local revenue at the Ughelli Main Market in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
It was learnt that one of the deceased, identified as Onome, also known as Oyibo, was killed at the market while allegedly collecting revenue from petty traders.
According to sources, the deceased was reportedly confronted by unidentified individuals and when the confrontation escalated, gunshots were heard.
Witnesses initially mistook the sounds for fireworks, but the chaos sent traders fleeing. When calm was restored and the fleeing traders returned to their stalls, they found Oyibo’s body near the former EcoBank by Adagharagba Junction.
The second victim, Nathaniel, was found injured nearby, and witnesses saw several people assisting him as he was transported to Ughelli Central Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
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Ughelli North Local Government Chairman, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, confirmed the incident, stating that he promptly alerted security forces, including the police area commander and army units, who promptly responded to secure the area.
Egbo noted that a clearer picture of the incident would emerge after further investigation, but that the primary concern now was restoring peace and preventing further violence.
A community leader, speaking anonymously, denied any involvement by the Iwhreko or Ekiugbo communities, speculating that the incident could have been related to cult activity rather than local revenue disputes.
Although efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright were unsuccessful, a senior security source confirmed that the incident is under investigation.
