A renewed clash between the Ekiugbo and Iwhreko communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, has claimed the lives of two individuals in a violent dispute over revenue collection at Ughelli Main Market. The incident, which occurred on Monday, saw one of the victims, Onome, popularly known as "Oyibo," fatally shot while collecting payments from petty traders. Another individual, Nathaniel, was severely wounded and later succumbed to his injuries at Ughelli Central Hospital.
Eyewitnesses report that Oyibo was approached by unidentified men while collecting levies, leading to a brief commotion before gunshots rang out. "People initially thought it was fireworks, but then everyone started fleeing when they saw Oyibo’s lifeless body by the former EcoBank area,” recounted a witness. Nathaniel, who was critically injured, was rushed to the hospital by bystanders but was later confirmed dead.
In response, Ughelli North Council chairman, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, confirmed that security agencies had been notified and deployed to the area. "I promptly alerted the Area Commander and the local Army formation, who have since moved to secure the area. We’re prioritizing peace and have asked for police reinforcement to maintain order in the market," Egbo stated.
Delta Police Command spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed one death and indicated that the incident involved an "internal vigilante" issue, assuring the public that the Command is addressing the situation.
