BY JOEL GRANDBALL/ JERRY OMOKRI – UGHELLI
DAYS after the death of three persons in a clash between Iwhreko and Ekiugbo communities, sporadic shooting erupted at the Ughelli main market, Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, forcing traders to scamper for safety.
Though no death or injured could be confirmed, the actual cause of the recent shooting could not also be ascertained.
It would be recalled Iwhreko and Ekiugbo communities have been in a tussle of supremacy over who controls the revenue collection in the market.
However, one of the warring communities, had earlier denied having issues with their their brother as they related the killing of Onome Oyibo and Nathaniel Ogra to cult issues.
The Wednesday shooting at the main market by a yet to be identified persons, heightened the tension that was gradually dying down in Ughelli metropolis with returning traders scampering for their lives and leaving behind their goods.
At the time of this report, no community has claimed responsibility for the shooting, but a combined security personnel were seen at different locations.
When our reporter visited the Ughelli main market, a truck of the Nigerian Army was stationed at Omotor junction, while police vehicles were at National fuel station and at other strategic locations.
A security source from the Ughelli Area Command, who spoke on anonymous condition said, “Towards this evening, we saw some youths from one of the communities in a Toyota Corolla car shooting to scare returning traders, transporters and other road users.”
As the market remains shut down due to the current crisis, economic activities have been crippled as perishable goods are seen wasting at different spots.
The leadership of the Great Ughelli Kingdom is yet to issue any officially statement over the current crisis rocking both communities.
