Itsekiri youths clash in Delta leaves one person dead and a house burnt in Warri South West Local Government Area
A violent clash between Itsekiri youths from Ugborodo and neighbouring Ogidigben riverine Itsekiri communities in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State left one person dead and a house razed at the weekend.
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The victim, Emiko Onuwaje, was reportedly attacked and killed along a road in Ogidigben, an incident that sparked outrage and heightened tension across the Ugborodo axis of the local government area.
Hours after the killing, angry youths allegedly set ablaze the residence of Captain John Deja Okpeyor, who had earlier the same day been installed as a chief of the Warri Kingdom.
As of press time, details surrounding the incident remained unclear. However, the killing and subsequent arson occurred amid reports of a leadership tussle among youths in Ogidigben, which allegedly led to the mobilisation of rival groups within the community.
Community sources, however, insisted that Onuwaje was not involved in any mobilisation or attack.
They said he was assaulted and killed by unknown assailants while on the road, describing the incident as a criminal act that should not be linked to broader community disputes.
Following the violence, security presence was reinforced in parts of Ugborodo and Ogidigben to prevent further escalation and restore calm to the affected communities.
Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for official comments were unsuccessful, as calls and a text message sent to him were yet to receive a response.
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However, it was reliably gathered that at least four suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of Emiko Onuwaje, as investigations continue.
