By Ochuko Akuopha

OBIARUKU—No fewer than two person have been killed and over five houses razed in an inter-communal clash between youths of Umuezegoli community of Ebedei clan and Akoku clan, both in Ukwani Local Government Area, Delta State.

Though the cause of the hostilities could not be ascertained at press time, sources said youths of Umuezegoli had invited an indigene of Akoku to their community for a discussion,  Tuesday night, after which he was allegedly stabbed to death with sharp objects.

Tension heightened when youths of Akoku, on getting wind of the development, invaded Umuezegoli for a reprisal attack, Wednesday, setting ablaze over five houses.

“When Akoku youths got to Umuezegoli, the place was deserted because the people had anticipated the reprisal attack and fled the community. One person has so far been arrested by the police over the incident,” a source from Ebedei clan told Vanguard.

Reacting to the incident, yesterday, Chairman of Ukwani council, Mrs. Ndudi Osakuni, said: “Immediately I was alerted on what was happening, I visited Umuezegoli, but the place was deserted and we met only the Okpara-Uku of the clan, a man of over 100 years.

“Over five houses had already been razed. One of the buildings that is close to the house of the Okpara-Uku was still in flames, so we struggled to put out the fire to prevent it from spreading to him.

“I then went to Akoku and appealed to the youths to remain calm that the situation was under control. Then early this morning (yesterday), I got information that one other person had been killed at Umuezegoli.”

Osakuni said efforts were being made to bring the feuding parties together to restore peace to the communities.

Contacted, state Police Public Relations  Officer, Celestina Kalu, said she had not been briefed on the incident.