Two persons have been allegedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen in a suspected clash between Iwhreko and Ekiugbo communities’ renewed hostilities over who control the local revenue of the Ughelli main market, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
It was learned that the deceaseds, one Onome popularly called Oyibo was shot dead at the Ughelli main market while the other identified as Nathaniel died from bullet wounds at the Ughelli Central Hospital.
Though the report is sketchy, a source alleged that Oyibo was busy making collection from petty traders at the market when he was accosted by yet to be identified persons.
The source revealed that when the guys accosted Oyibo, traders waded into the matter and as the issued was about to be resolved,they heard gun shots.
“Initially we thought it was a knockout and as the sound were vibrating, all the traders in the market scamper for safety only to return to found the lifeless body of Oyibo by former Eco bank immediately after Adagharagba junction.
As that was not enough, we saw about three women and two men that helped another victim, Nathaniel with bullet wounds from the market by Adagharagba street and he was rushed to the hospital.
When contacted, the chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun Jaro Egbo said, “I learned that somebody was shot and I quickly informed the security agencies, the Area Commander, the Army formation and they have gone there to clear the area.
We have not got the clear picture of who was shot and the cause of the shooting but by tomorrow when I get to the office, I will get a clearer picture, so I can respond.
“But for now we are ensuring that peace is restored so that the issue will not escalate, we have asked policemen to take over the place.
A community leader who spoke on anonymous condition and denied the reported allegations said, “We heard of it and we are suspecting it to be a cult related clash as our community cannot stop so low to go and attack anybody.”
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Edafe Bright could not be contacted but a senior security source confirmed the incident.
The anonymous security source said, “The other injured victim died moment ago from bullet wounds at the hospital and the matter is under investigation.”
