One person was killed and a house razed at the weekend as violence erupted in Ugborodo community following renewed clashes between rival factions.
A young man was reportedly shot dead on Saturday after being hit by a stray bullet during a gun duel in Ogidigben, one of the communities that make up Ugborodo.
Community sources said the violence escalated again yesterday evening when a residential building was set ablaze in another part of the area.
Ugborodo has been enmeshed in a protracted leadership crisis for more than four years, with two factions laying claim to the control of the community, a development that has continued to fuel tension and intermittent violence.
Chairman of the Ugborodo Community Trust, Mr. Joseph Tenuma, who leads one of the factions, appealed for calm and restraint, expressing concern over the latest outbreak of violence.
Speaking to Vanguard, Tenuma said:
“Bloodshed is needless in our community. We are all from the same ancestry.
Let’s sustain peace. Every grievance and disagreement can be resolved at the table. I totally condemn all that has happened.
The worst disputes are settled through dialogue”
“There is nothing too difficult to discuss. We don’t need to spill blood,” he pleaded.
It would be recalled that some community members last week occupied facilities operated by Chevron, demanding employment opportunities and empowerment for indigenes.
However, Tenuma and others reportedly opposed the action, insisting that engagement and dialogue with the oil company remained the best approach.
As of press time, it was gathered that several residents had fled Ugborodo to neighbouring communities, including Gbaramatu, over fears of further violence.