Three Killed, Five Injured as Festival Turns Bloody in Delta

By Sunday Ameh

Three youths have been killed while five others sustained injuries during the annual traditional festival in Eku community, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday night, triggering tension in the community as pictures and videos purportedly showing the aftermath circulated online.

Sources within the Urhobo community told Newsmen that the violence may have been linked to an alleged supremacy dispute between rival groups competing for territorial influence in the area.

However, it could not be independently confirmed whether the deceased were members of any group or whether the incident was connected to a cult-related dispute.

According to eyewitness accounts, residents were still participating in the festival at drinking spots around Osuere, regarded as the geographical centre of the community, when an alarming phone call reportedly sparked the violence.

One of those at the gathering was said to have received information that a member of his group had been shot at another location.

Sources alleged that the man, without verifying the information, rushed to his vehicle, brought out a pump-action rifle and opened fire at three youths at different locations.

The sources further claimed that one of the deceased was later found with a cutlass injury to the neck.

Meanwhile, about five other persons were reportedly taken to hospitals within the local government area after sustaining deep cuts from cutlasses during the festival.

A resident, Kenneth, explained that cutlasses are traditionally used during the festival as part of the celebrations, but disagreements over their use can sometimes lead to injuries.

“We dance with cutlasses during the festival and sometimes use them on ourselves. If you cut someone with a cutlass and the injury is serious, the person may retaliate. That was how some people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital,” he said.

The community was reportedly calm as of press time, although some youths were said to have temporarily left the area ahead of the arrival of security personnel.

A source said some residents may have fled out of fear of being caught up in possible arrests, stressing that their departure did not necessarily mean they were connected to the incident.

Security operatives subsequently moved into the community to restore calm and prevent further violence.