From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
A communal clash between youths of Umuezegoli community of Ebedei and Akoku in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State has claimed the lives of at least two persons just as over eight houses were said to have been razed.
Community sources informed that on Tuesday night a native of Akoku was invited by the youths of Umuezegoli for a discussion over undisclosed matter but was allegedly brutalized with sharp objects which eventually led to his death.
The development led to a reprisal attack by youths of Akoku who on Wednesday invaded Umuezegoli in large numbers, setting ablaze about eight houses.
According to our source, “when Akoku youths got to Umuezegoli, the place was deserted because the people had anticipated the reprisal attack and fled the community. One person has so far been arrested by the police over the incident.”
Reacting to the incident yesterday, Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government council, Mrs. Ndudi Osakuni said as soon as she got security report about the incident, “I visited Umuezegoli but the place was deserted and we met only the Okpara-Uku of the clan, a man of over 100 years.
“Over five houses had already been razed. One of the buildings that is close to the house of the Okpara-Uku was still in flames so we struggled to put out the fire to prevent it from spreading to him.
“I then went to Akoku and appealed to the youths to remain calm that the situation was under control. Then early this morning, I got information that one other person has been killed at Umuezegoli.”
Osakuni said efforts were being made to to bring the feuding parties together to restore peace to the communities.