By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukeu, Warri
DELTA: Tension is brewing in Delta State following a deadly clash between the Edjekota-Ogor and Ewu communities, which resulted in the deaths of two persons and left several others injured. The violence, sparked by a long standing land dispute, has thrown residents of the affected areas in Ughelli North and South Local Government Areas of the state into fear and uncertainty.
The two communities have been embroiled in a bitter ownership battle over a stretch of land currently under litigation at the High Court in Jeremi. However, what was once a legal tussle has now spiraled into violent confrontation.
Trouble reportedly began when members of one of the communities, accompanied by police personnel, stormed the disputed land and arrested several farmers from the other side. Among those taken into custody were identified as Izaga, Michael Itedjere, and an elderly couple, Pa Othu and his wife. The elderly woman was later released on compassionate grounds.
The arrests triggered outrage among residents of Edjekota-Ogor, who quickly mobilized in search of the missing individuals. During their search, they apprehended two persons believed to be from the Ewu community and handed them over to the Ughelli Area Command peacefully.
But as they returned from the handover, violence erupted. Eyewitnesses say a combined team of police operatives, hunters, and vigilantes launched an unprovoked attack on Edjekota-Ogor community, opening fire indiscriminately.
In the chaos that followed, Martins Ekerhare, a resident who was reportedly sitting in front of a building, was shot in the stomach and died on the spot. Another victim, Victor Akpojaro, a commercial motorcyclist returning from his farm, was also gunned down. Several others, including one Karo Jerry, sustained bullet wounds.
The bodies of the deceased were later deposited at the mortuary after being taken to the Ughelli Area Command. Meanwhile, Pa Othu is said to be cooperating with police investigators by providing a statement on the events that led to the violent turn.
A resident of the area, who pleaded anonymity, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation. “We can no longer live like this. If this continues, we may be forced to block the road to protect our people. We’re living in constant fear.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Edafe Bright, confirmed the incident, noting that the case was initially being managed at the local government level by officials from both Ughelli North and Ughelli South.
The next court hearing on the land dispute is scheduled for April 10, but with rising tensions and casualties on both sides, many fear that more bloodshed may occur unless urgent steps are taken to restore peace and justice.