Community Election: Crisis rocks Oghara, 2 shot, Ibori’s daughter escapes lynching

… As rampaging youths destroy 13 cars  

 

By Akpos Oghenetega,————–

 

Two persons were reportedly shot today at Oghara, while Hon. Eriatake Ibori-Suenu, a member representing Ethiope West Local Government Area in the Delta State House of Assembly and daughter of a former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, narrowly escaped lynching after two factions clash over elections in the community.

The battle for supremacy left no fewer than 13 cars destroyed today, and it was also gathered that the crisis was said to have claimed life weeks back, which created tension in the community after factions declared interest in contesting for excos for the youth wing of the community leadership.

The source said trouble started this morning (Sunday) after a faction got wind that the other group was planning to hold an election somewhere in the community, some of the youths in the community were said to have approached Hon. Ibori-Suenu, to invite the two groups for a peace talk at the former governor country home.

Our sourced stated further, that on getting to the meeting place, the other faction allegedly attacked Eriatake, while the former governor’s daughter fled for her life, the youths were said to have gone on a rampage destroying cars, and two persons were allegedly shot in the process while many other youths sustained various injuries.

“As I speak to you we are at the police station with Hon Ibori-Suenu and tension is currently high, some of the youths are on the run,” the source said.

Meanwhile, Advocate.ng also gathered from another source that the clash was a result of the imposition of the current chairman, whose tenure has elapsed on the people of Ogharefe.

According to the source who spoke to us but pleaded for anonymity, said that the “position of chairman was for a tenure of three years, the present chairman’s tenure has elapsed and they are trying to give him another term, we will not accept that, we will fight for our right,” he said.

When asked who is behind the imposition, he said; “Ask them, those that think Oghara belongs to them,” adding they will be shocked this time around.

As of the time of filing this report, Advocate.ng gathered that the warring youths faction has been invited to the palace of the Ovie of Oghara kingdom for a peace talk, however, the outcome of the meeting with the monarch remains sketchy.

When contacted, Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, DSP. Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, adding that as of the time of report no arrest has been made in connection to the attacks.

According to him; “yes I am aware of the crisis at Oghara today, but no report of any arrest,” he added.