RismadarVoice Reporters
September 22, 2026
Three youths have been reported dead and five others injured following violence during an annual traditional festival in Eku community, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Monday night as residents gathered at different locations across the community for the celebrations.
Images and videos said to show the aftermath circulated online shortly after the incident, heightening tension among residents.
Local accounts linked the violence to an alleged dispute involving rival groups in the community. However, the identities or affiliations of those killed and the claim that the incident resulted from a supremacy dispute had not been independently established.
WITNESSES GIVE ACCOUNT OF SHOOTING
According to accounts from residents, people were gathered around Osuere, an area described as the geographical centre of the community, when information emerged that someone had allegedly been shot elsewhere.
Witnesses alleged that an individual subsequently retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and shot three youths at different locations.
The circumstances surrounding that account had not been independently confirmed, and it was unclear whether any suspect had been arrested in connection with the deaths.
One of those killed was also reported to have sustained a cutlass injury.
FIVE OTHERS HOSPITALISED
At least five other people were reportedly taken to hospitals within the local government area after sustaining cutlass injuries during the festival.
A resident identified as Kenneth said cutlasses traditionally form part of the celebrations but acknowledged that disagreements could result in injuries.
“We dance with cutlasses during the festival and sometimes use them on ourselves,” he said.
He said some of the injuries recorded during the celebration followed confrontations among participants.
SECURITY OPERATIVES DEPLOYED
Security personnel were deployed to Eku following reports of the killings to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Some youths were reported to have temporarily left the community as security operatives arrived.
Residents cautioned against assuming that everyone who left was connected to the violence, saying some people departed because they feared being caught up in possible arrests.
The community was reported calm following the deployment.
Authorities had yet to publicly establish the motive for the killings or confirm whether the incident was connected to rivalry between organised groups.
Further investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify those responsible.
