3 Youths Killed as Gunshots Rock Delta Festival

(Delta Map. Photo by Nation News)

Three youths were shot dead on Monday night and five others severely injured during the annual traditional festival of Eku community in Ethiope East local government area of Delta State.

Pictures and videos of the aftermath flooded online from about 8:30pm, causing tension in the community.

Sources linked the incident to an alleged supremacy dispute between rival groups competing for territorial influence.

It couldn't be independently confirmed if the deceased were members of any group or if it was cult-related.

During the festival, residents were gathered at drinking spots around Osuere, the town's centre, when someone received information that a member of his group had been shot elsewhere in the community.

Without verifying the information, he reportedly ran to his vehicle, got out a pump-action rifle and opened fire at three youths at different locations.

One of the deceased had a cutlass injury on the neck.

About five other people were taken to hospitals in the local government area after sustaining deep cutlass wounds.

Cutlasses are traditionally used during the festival as part of celebrations, but disagreements over their use can result in injuries.

A resident said if you cut someone with a cutlass and the injury is serious, the person may retaliate.

The community was calm as of press time, though some youths temporarily left the area before security arrived.

Some residents may have fled out of fear of arrest, not necessarily because they were involved.

Security operatives moved into the community to restore calm and prevent further violence.