Two persons have been shot dead in a renewed clash over alleged control of revenue collection in Ughelli Main Market in Delta state.
The clash, which was said to have occurred on Monday, was between Ekiugbo and Iwhreko communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that the two communities have had a longstanding dispute over the market revenue collection rights.
One of the victims, Onome, popularly known as Oyibo, was said to have been shot while collecting payments from petty traders at the Ughelli Main Market.
The second victim, simply identified as Nathaniel, sustained severe bullet wounds and was rushed to the Ughelli Central Hospital, where he later died.
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.”
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ughelli North LGA, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, assured of immediate intervention by security agencies.
“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
However, Delta Police Command spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed one casualty.
Two shot dead as Delta communities clash over revenue collection rights
