TWO KILLED AS DELTA COMMUNITIES CLASH OVER REVENUE COLLECTION RIGHTS

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In Delta State’s Ughelli Main Market, two people were shot dead in a reoccurring altercation over purported control of revenue collection.

The conflict was reported to have taken place on Monday between the towns of Iwhreko and Ekiugbo in the state’s Ughelli North Local Government Area.

It was discovered that there has long been a disagreement between the two communities on who has the right to collect market revenue.

According to reports, Onome, also referred to as Oyibo, was shot as he was in the Ughelli Main Market collecting money from small-time vendors.

After suffering severe gunshot wounds, the second victim—who was only named Nathaniel—was taken to Ughelli Central Hospital, where he passed away.

According to an eyewitness, “Oyibo was busy collecting levies when some unidentified men approached him. There was a brief commotion, and just as it seemed resolved, gunshots suddenly rang out.

“People initially thought it was just fireworks, but then everyone started fleeing when they saw Oyibo’s lifeless body by the former EcoBank area.”

Olorogun Jaro Egbo, the Chairman of Ughelli North LGA, confirmed the occurrence and promised that security forces will act right away.

“I was informed that someone had been shot, so I promptly alerted the Area Commander and the local Army formation. They have since moved to secure the area.

“By tomorrow, I hope to get a clearer picture and provide further updates. For now, we’re prioritizing peace and have asked for police reinforcement to maintain order in the market,” Egbo said

SP Bright Edafe, the spokesperson for Delta Police Command, did, however, confirm one casualty.