The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyinka Adeleke has confirmed the killing of one person as youths of Okere-Urhobo and Itsekiri extraction clashed over order to close shops as HRM (Prof.) Oghenero Okumagba (Idama ll) was buried.
Mayhem started when some youths of Okere-Urhobo had gone to Obahor and Okere market area to enforce the order by the Okere-Urhobo people that all shops be locked in respect of the final rites of passage of the monarch.
Youths from Itsekiri reportedly stood against the enforcement, arguing that commercial shops cannot be shutdown in their domain, as there was no such order compelling people to do so during the burial ceremony of the late Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse II.
In an ensuing argument and confrontation, the youths resorted to use of clubs, gun and other dangerous weapons.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police said, “It is one person that was shot and hospitalised, not six. Another person was shot and hospitalised yesterday (Saturday). They’re fighting because of the burial of the King”.
The incident, which led to the looting of abandoned shops at Okere Market by hoodlums, had forced traders in the market and residential area to flee the vicinity.