One person has reportedly died and three others seriously injured in a fresh crisis in Okuama, troubled Delta community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.
Okuama community and Urhobo enclave in Ughelli South LGA and Okoloba community, an Ijaw enclave in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, have been at loggers head over a piece of land.
The crisis broke out barely 48 hours after soldiers pulled out from the community.
Recall that soldiers purportedly on a peace mission were gruesomely killed near Okuama on March 14, 2024, prompting the military to lay siege to the community.
Meanwhile, the military withdrew its men on Tuesday after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori promised displaced Okuama indigines safe return to their homes.
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But Thursday morning, fresh violence ensued as indigenes of Okuama returned to their homes.
“We were surprised to see the soldiers pull out on Tuesday. Some indigenes of Okuama immediately went back to the community.
“But, as I’m talking to you, there is a problem; three indigenes of our community have already been ambushed and attacked with machetes by Okuama returnees.
“They (the victims) were on their way to Ezebiri community along a bush path linking various communities when they were attacked.
“One of them, who escaped with machete cuts, narrated that they were attacked by the Okuama returnees at gunpoint while on their way to Ezebiri. Others were led towards the jetty at the community waterfront. A victim is in a critical condition at a hospital.”
A native of another neighbouring community confirmed the attack.
He said: “Yes, they (soldiers) pulled out of Okuama Tuesday around 5 to 6 pm. A soldier said that they received a signal from above to leave the community, immediately.
“On the crisis between Akugbene and Okuama returnees, those youths went to Okuama to loot upon hearing that soldiers had left the community.
“Armed youths of Okuama accosted and shot at them and some were said to have been macheted
“Two of those Akugbene youths escaped unhurt and we’ve already sent them back to their community.”
A source from Akugbene said, that “one of the two victims, who escaped back to the community after the attack, is dead.”
Mr Clement Koki, Chairman of Okoloba community said, “his community would continue to maintain the peace and pray to God for protection.
“It is true that the soldiers have left Okuama. On our part as a community, we will continue to maintain the peace and pray to God for His protection and support,” he said.