By Ochuko Akuopha

ASABA – Hoodlums, suspected to be herdsmen, have reportedly killed two people in the Mbiri community, Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, plunging the area into chaos.

The incident occurred along the farm road in Idumu-Ikeze Quarters and the Mbiri farm settlement road on Tuesday.

In retaliation, angry youths stormed a Hausa community settlement near Umunede between 8 pm and 9 pm on the same day, setting the camps and several motorcycles on fire.

Police Public Relations Officer for the State Command, Mr. Bright Edafe, confirmed the killings, noting that the attackers were unidentified hoodlums. “Unknown hoodlums attacked the community, resulting in two deaths. The community suspects the Hausa were responsible, leading to a retaliatory attack, but we have restored calm,” Edafe said.

A source, however, suggested that the killings were carried out by suspected herdsmen. “Two people were killed on Tuesday at Mbiri. One was inspecting his cassava plantation when he encountered the suspected herdsmen, who have been terrorising the area. The second victim was a farm laborer along Mbiri farm settlement road,” the source said.

Following the killings, youths mobilised to the Hausa settlement near Umunede Road, where they destroyed property, including four motorcycles, and set fire to structures. The unrest only subsided after the intervention of the police, army, and local vigilantes.