A longstanding dispute over community leadership and historical claims between Ekuku-Agbor and Ekuku-Uboh communities in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State has reportedly escalated, following a fresh violent confrontation.
Several people were reportedly killed while others sustained injuries in the incident.
The development has renewed fears among residents, particularly amid allegations that the crisis is connected to a struggle over the traditional leadership of Ekuku-Agbor.
How the Crisis Started
The dispute reportedly intensified in August 2023 following the announcement of crude oil discovery in Ekuku-Agbor.
According to claims attributed to members of Ekuku-Uboh, their ancestors were among the founders of Ekuku-Agbor before later relocating to Ekuku-Uboh in search of better economic opportunities.
The historical claim has reportedly become a major source of disagreement between the two communities.
Residents said the disagreement subsequently expanded into questions concerning land, identity, authority and the traditional leadership of Ekuku-Agbor.
Ekuku-Agbor is currently under the traditional leadership of His Royal Highness, Obi Paul Owuzo.
A community source alleged that some youths from Ekuku-Uboh wanted the existing arrangement changed and sought greater control over the traditional institution.
The claim could not be independently verified.
Youth Leader Becomes Target
Mr Osadebe Sunday Onyekachukwu, the youth leader of Ekuku-Agbor, was reportedly among those affected by the violence.
According to an eyewitness account, Onyekachukwu had previously survived an attack by unidentified gunmen at his residence.
He was reportedly pursued by armed youths during the latest confrontation and subsequently fled the community after sustaining serious injuries.
Sources said he has not been seen in Ekuku-Agbor since the reported January 5, 2024 incident.
His present whereabouts could not be independently confirmed.
Government Mediation
The Delta State Government has reportedly engaged the two communities in discussions aimed at resolving themediation7
However, sources said the mediation process had yet to produce a final agreement before the latest violence.
The incident has consequently renewed calls for the government to deploy adequate security personnel to the affected comtraditionalist
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Residents are also calling on traditional rulers, elders, youth leaders and other stakeholders to reject violence and allow the authorities to resolve the dispute through dialogue and established legal processes.
For many residents, an urgent and lasting resolution remains necessary to prevent the leadership disagreement from developing into a wider communal conflict.
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