National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Chuks Peter, DELTA
In a tragic escalation of violence, a 58-year-old pioneer member of the Ughelli Bakassi vigilante group, Mr. Lucky Ighowhare, was shot dead on Monday night in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, during renewed hostilities between the Iwhreko and Ekiugbo communities.
Ighowhare, popularly known as “Thunder,” was allegedly targeted by suspected youths from one of the warring factions over a dispute concerning revenue collection at the Ughelli main market.
Eyewitnesses said that, Mr. Ighowhare was preparing to have dinner with his family at their home on Sam-Oteri Street when a group of armed youths stormed the area. According to the eyewitnesses who claimes anonymous source, “They came in large numbers and opened fire just as he was about to eat with his wife and children. It was shocking and terrifying. Everyone ran for safety as the gunshots echoed throughout the neighborhood.”
Community members described the killing as a shock, with many fleeing the area due to fears of further violence. One resident recounted, “Thunder was a respected figure in the community. For him to be killed so brutally in front of his family—it’s a terrible tragedy.”
The tragic incident has reportedly intensified fears of reprisal attacks between the two communities.
Mr. Ighowhare’s death marks the third casualty in recent clashes between the Iwhreko and Ekiugbo, Delta communities. Two other individuals, Mr. Onome Oyibo and Mr. Nathaniel Ogra, had previously lost their lives in similar incidents. Oyibo was shot dead at the Ughelli main market, while Ogra succumbed to bullet wounds at the Ughelli Central Hospital.
In response, the Ughelli main market has been closed indefinitely as tensions continue to rise. Security personnel have been deployed, and checkpoints have been established around the market area to prevent further violence.
A local authority member, who requested anonymity, stated, “The market closure is necessary for now. We need to keep the situation under control and avoid more bloodshed.”
As of the time of reporting, the bodies of the deceased victims, including Mr. Ighowhare, have been moved to the Ughelli Central Hospital morgue. Efforts to contact leaders of the Great Ughelli Kingdom for comments were unsuccessful, as they have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
