Pandemonium: gunshots rock Warri, Effurun

THERE was pandemonium for the better part of Monday at Effurun in  Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State as sporadic gunshots rocked the area for several hours.

The gunshots were heard around Jakpa Road, Warri Sapele Road, Sokoh Estate Road and PTI Road.

Unconfirmed report said the pandemonium was orchestrated by a clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday.

Four persons were reportedly killed as a result of the clash between the two leading parties.

Business activities were abruptly brought to an end as shops in Effurun and environs were forced to close for the the day before midday to avoid hoodlums catching in on the situation to loot the shops.

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Major roads were almost deserted as only a very few vehicles were seen plying the roads at about 4:00p.m.

The clash was allegedly between some persons loyal to the incumbent member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Uvwie/Okpe Federal constituency on the platform of the PDP, Hon. Evelyn Oboro and the current Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Barr. Ovie Omo-Agege, of APC.

Hon. Oboro, an indigene of Effurun, is the PDP senatorial candidate for Delta Central, Senator Omo-Agege from Orogun, Ughelli South Local Government Area is contesting to retain his position at the Red Chambers.

Some residents have expressed concern over the developments. According to them, a warning has gone ahead to residents who are not ready to vote a particular party during the elections, to steer clear of the polling stations.

Jerome Adun, a resident, said: “With this kind of thing now, one would be afraid to come out to vote on elections day, because you are not even sure of your safety.”

Another residents, Roseline Ogu, said, “We  were here at the shop, suddenly, we heard gunshots  and people running, so we quickly closed our shops because of fear.”

There were also reports that PDP and APC supporters had earlier clashed at the university town of Abraka, leaving scores wounded.

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Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the incident, said normalcy had been restored.

“There were reports of gunshots earlier in the day. Some political  party hoodlums were trying to disrupt the peace in the area, but our men swung into action and I can tell you, that the area is calm now .

“Around Jakpa Road, there was a case of a young man who was shot at the buttocks . Three person were arrested in connection with that incident.

“A locally made pistol and a dagger were  recovered from the suspect and they would soon appear in court.

“Some dark spots were raided yesterday and men of the Nigeria Police are on constant patrol to ensure security of lives  and properties,” he noted.