Tensions soared and fear gripped residents in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, following the brutal killing of 58-year-old Mr. Lucky Ighowhare, popularly known as “Thunder,” and a pioneer member of the Ughelli Vigilante group know as ‘Ughelli Bakassi’.
It was gathered that Mr. Ighowhare was shot dead on Monday night at his home on Sam-Oteri Street by suspected youths from one of the warring factions between Iwhreko and Ekiugbo communities.
The attack, reportedly linked to renewed hostilities over the control of revenue collection at the Ughelli main market, unfolded around 10 p.m. Mr. Ighowhare was preparing to have dinner with his family when armed youths stormed his residence, shooting him at his doorstep.
A witness disclosed, “The deceased victim was preparing to have his dinner with his family when hundreds of youths from one of the warring communities stormed his residence at Sam-Oteri street off Isoko and shot him dead at his doorstep.
“We heard the sound of the gunshot in the neighborhood and everybody began to scramble for safety. He was killed at his doorstep sitting beside his wife and children awaiting the food that was being warmed on their gas cooker. He was shirtless when the unfortunate incident occurred and was left in his pool of blood.”
The tragic incident has sparked concerns over escalating violence in the area, while the disputed market has been completely shut.
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Residents, fearing reprisal attacks, are fleeing both communities, especially after Mr. Ighowhare’s death marked the third fatality in the ongoing conflict. Recently, Mr. Onome Oyibo was killed at Ughelli Main Market, and Mr. Nathaniel Ogra succumbed to bullet wounds at Ughelli Central Hospital.
Revenue collection in the Ughelli main market has been a subject of controversy and has been the root of violence in recent years leading to many deaths.
As at the time of this report, heavy security checkpoints have been mounted on both sides to prevent further violence.
The leadership of the Great Ughelli Kingdom has however refrained from commenting on the crisis, adding to the uncertainty and unease among residents.
