Two young men have reportedly been killed in a renewed clash between the Iwhreko and Ekiugbo communities over revenue collection at the Ughelli main market in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Advocate.ng reports that one of the deceased, identified as Onome, also known as "Oyibo," was shot dead at the Ughelli main market. Another victim, identified as Nathaniel, succumbed to bullet wounds at the Ughelli Central Hospital.
Details remain sketchy at the time of this report, but sources allege that Oyibo was collecting fees from petty traders in the market when unidentified individuals approached him.
Eyewitnesses reported that traders initially intervened to de-escalate the confrontation, but gunshots were suddenly heard.
"At first, we thought it was fireworks, but as the gunshots continued, traders scattered in panic. When we returned, we found Oyibo's lifeless body near the former Eco Bank, just after Adagharagba Junction," one witness recounted.
It was further gathered that apart from Oyibo, another victim, Nathaniel, was reportedly assisted by bystanders after being shot. He was transported to Ughelli Central Hospital, where he later passed away from his injuries.
When contacted, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, said, "I received information that someone had been shot and immediately informed security agencies. The Area Commander and Army personnel were deployed to secure the area."
Egbo added, "We do not yet have a full understanding of the circumstances, but we are focused on restoring peace and have directed the police to take control of the area."
A community leader, speaking anonymously, speculated that the clash may be cult-related rather than a dispute over market revenue. "Our community wouldn’t instigate such violence; we suspect it may be connected to cult activities," he suggested.
Attempts to reach Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Edafe Bright were unsuccessful, but a senior security official confirmed the incident, noting that Nathaniel had died from his injuries and that investigations are underway.
