A fresh wave of violence has erupted in Ugborodo community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, leaving one person dead and a house set ablaze over the weekend.
Niger Delta Herald Metro gathered that a young man was allegedly killed on Saturday in Ogidigben, one of the communities that make up Ugborodo, after he was hit by a stray bullet during a gun battle between rival groups.
Community sources further disclosed that in a separate incident on Sunday evening, a house was set on fire amid renewed clashes in the area.
Ugborodo has been enmeshed in a protracted leadership crisis for over four years, with two rival factions laying claim to the leadership of the community. The prolonged dispute has repeatedly fueled tension and sporadic violence.
Reacting to the latest development, the Chairman of the Ugborodo Community Trust, Mr. Joseph Tenuma, who leads one of the factions, appealed for calm and restraint.
Speaking to our correspondent, Tenuma expressed deep concern over the bloodshed and condemned the violence.
“Bloodshed is needless in our community. We are all from the same ancestry. Let us sustain peace. Every grievance and disagreement can be resolved at the table. I totally condemn all that has happened. The worst disputes are settled through dialogue. There is nothing too difficult to discuss. We do not need to spill blood,” he said.
The violence is believed to be linked to recent tensions following the occupation of facilities belonging to Chevron by some community members last week. The protesters were reportedly demanding employment opportunities and empowerment for locals.
However, Tenuma and others opposed the action, insisting that dialogue with the oil company remained the most appropriate means of resolving outstanding issues.
At press time, it was gathered that several residents of Ugborodo had fled their homes for safety, seeking refuge in neighbouring communities, including Gbaramatu.
Efforts to reach security agencies for official comments on the incidents were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
About Author
