By Deborah Nnamdi
One person has been killed and a residential building has been razed following a clash between Itsekiri youths from Ugborodo and neighbouring Ogidigben riverine communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The deceased, identified as Emiko Onuwaje, was reportedly attacked and killed along a road in Ogidigben at the weekend, an incident that triggered outrage and heightened tension across the Ugborodo axis of the area.
In the aftermath of the killing, angry youths allegedly set ablaze the residence of Captain John Deja Okpeyor, who had earlier that same day been installed as a chief of the Warri Kingdom.
Although details of the incident remained sketchy as of press time, the violence reportedly occurred amid a youth leadership tussle in Ogidigben, which was said to have led to the mobilisation of youths to confront perceived rivals within the community.
However, community sources denied claims that Onuwaje was involved in any mobilisation or attack, insisting that he was assaulted and killed by unknown assailants while on the road. They described the incident as a criminal act that should not be linked to broader communal or leadership disputes.
Security presence was reportedly reinforced in parts of Ugborodo and Ogidigben to forestall further breakdown of law and order and prevent reprisal attacks.
Efforts to get official confirmation from the Delta State Police Command proved unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, did not respond to calls or a text message seeking updates on the situation. However, sources disclosed that at least four suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing of Onuwaje.
