Residents of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have discovered the decomposing bodies of a husband and wife several days after they reportedly went missing following an altercation with herdsmen over the destruction of building materials.
Key Highlights:
- A husband and wife from Gbaregolor Community were found dead after being missing for several days.
- Disappearance followed dispute with herders.
- Bodies discovered during community search.
- Victims reportedly killed with machetes.
- Community demands justice and more security.
The deceased couple, said to be natives of Gbaregolor Community in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, were reportedly found in separate locations after a community-led search operation.
Sources within the community disclosed that before their disappearance, the husband had confronted some herders whose cattle allegedly destroyed newly moulded blocks he intended to use for a building project.
According to a source familiar with the incident, the disagreement occurred only days before the couple vanished from their residence located behind a construction company in Ughelli North.
“The man had issues with some herdsmen after their cattle destroyed his moulded blocks. After that incident, neither he nor his wife was seen for several days. Concerned relatives and community members launched a search and eventually discovered their bodies,” the source said.
The source further revealed that the husband’s body bore multiple machete cuts, while the wife was allegedly chased into a swampy area where she was also hacked to death.
The gruesome discovery has sparked outrage across Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, with the Ewu-Urhobo Youth Association condemning the killings and demanding justice.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Comrade Erhiegueke Emmanuel, and Acting Secretary, Engr. Obukadeta E. Joseph, the association described the incident as a heinous and barbaric act that must not go unpunished.
“We received with shock and deep sadness the report of the brutal killing of a husband and wife from Gbaregolor Community, Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom. This senseless act is a grave assault on human dignity and the sanctity of life,” the statement read.
The association called on the Federal Government, Delta State Government, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
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It also expressed concern over what it described as increasing threats to lives and property in communities within the kingdom, urging security agencies to strengthen surveillance and deploy more personnel to vulnerable areas.
“The people of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom can no longer continue to live under fear of violence and bloodshed. We demand increased security presence and proactive measures to safeguard lives, farmlands, and property,” the group stated.
While extending condolences to the bereaved family, the Gbaregolor Community, and the entire Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, the association urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement authorities investigating the incident.
The killings have heightened security concerns across Ughelli North and Ughelli South local government areas, with community leaders calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further violence and restore public confidence in the safety of rural communities.
