According to an article published by Vanguard News on May 10, 2024, a clash occurred in the Okuama-Ewu Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Suspected invaders encroached on the community shortly after the Nigerian Army withdrew from the area. The invaders, believed to be youths from neighboring villages, went to Okuama-Ewu to scavenge for valuable items like zinc, iron rods, and scraps. The community members confronted the invaders, resulting in the death of one invader and three others being injured with machetes.
The Nigerian Army began withdrawing from Okuama-Ewu on Monday, and the final pullout took place on Wednesday, following negotiations between Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Army authorities. Taking advantage of the absence of soldiers, youths from neighboring villages entered Okuama-Ewu to loot items they could sell.
In a separate incident, residents of Akugbene community in Bomadi Local Government Area expressed concerns about a missing person. The residents reported that returnees from Okuama community ambushed and attacked four indigenes of Akugbene with machetes. One victim managed to escape with machete wounds and sought refuge in Akugbene, while the others were taken towards the community's waterfront.
There were speculations regarding how the returnees from Okuama-Ewu could have organized the ambush on Akugbene villagers. It was suggested that soldiers of Urhobo descent stationed in Okuama might have provided information about the withdrawal to the returnees. This raised questions and caused anxiety among neighboring communities, leading to restricted movement and limited access to essential goods.
The chairman of the Okoloba community expressed a commitment to maintaining peace and praying for protection. However, a community leader from Okuama-Ewu clarified that no indigene had returned to the community, and residents were waiting for a clear announcement from the government before doing so.
According to Mr. Innocent Ejedegba, the solicitor to the community, community members reported that troops had vacated the area. The withdrawal of soldiers created an opportunity for scavengers to exploit the situation and remove valuable materials from Okuama-Ewu, which disappointed the community members.
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