2 killed in renewed clash over revenue collection in Delta

A violent clash over revenue collection rights at Ughelli Main Market in Delta State has left two people dead, reigniting tensions between the Ekiugbo and Iwhreko communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

The longstanding dispute over market revenue collection escalated on Monday, resulting in tragic fatalities.

One of the victims, identified as Onome, popularly known as “Oyibo,” was shot while collecting payments from petty traders at the market.

The second victim, Nathaniel, sustained serious bullet wounds and was immediately rushed to Ughelli Central Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

A witness said: “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.”

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It was also learnt Nathaniel was assisted by three women and two men who rushed him to the hospital were he was confirmed dead.

Responding to the incident, the Ughelli North Council chairman, 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

Delta Police Command spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, could only confirm one death.

He said the issue was an “internal vigilante” matter and the Command was on top of the case.