Two communities in Delta at war, two reportedly dead, many injured

Tension has heightened in Obiaruku and its neighbouring communities in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State when youths from Umusume and Obi-Edike communities clashed.

The clash led to the death of two youths. Many other persons sustained injuries resulting from gunshots. The crisis led to shutting down schools, market and other commercial activities in the area.

The crisis was not unconnected with the aged-long land dispute between the people of Umusume, an Obiaruku community and Obi-Edike quarter in Obinomba community in Umukwata kingdom.

The clash was said to have started when youths from Obinomba community who were celebrating Ukwata festival allegedly encroached into Umusume community in Obiaruku.

Their encroachment was said to have provoked Umusume community, which led to a bloody clash between the two communities.

Close sources that confirmed the development, revealed that security had been beefed up in the area as sporadic gunshots forced residents of the twin communities to desert their homes. A source alleged that those who sustained severe injuries had been rushed to hospital in neighbouring university community of Abraka in Ethiope East local government area.

“Obinomba was supposed to be celebrating their Ukwata Festival by now but some persons from Obinomba in Umukwata Kingdom encroached into Umusume, an Obiaruku community to celebrate their festival.

That angered the Umusume community.

All attempt to reach the State Police Commissioner, Hafiz Inuwa, for comments failed but a senior police officer from the Obiaruku Police Station confirmed the development when contacted but added that relative peace has returned to the warring communities following police intervention.