One person was killed while the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku community in Delta State, Ifechukwude Okonjo II, escaped death when his convoy was attacked by some irate youths at Otulu satellite town.
Several vehicles were allegedly destroyed while the monarch, who is a brother of former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and some of his chiefs narrowly escaped death during the attack which occurred on Friday, September 17.
It was gathered that the traditional ruler had led members of his ObiIn-Council and community leaders to the satellite town to perform certain traditional rites meant to usher in peace and tranquility.
However, some of the youths of Otulu, who recently embarked on protest, calling on relevant authorities to grant autonomy to the satellite town, made bonfires to block the traditional ruler’s convoy shortly after he had performed the rites.
All entreaties by the Obi’s younger brother, Prince Onyema Okonjo and security agents to let the obi pass were rebuffed by the youths.
In the process, one of the irate youths was hit by a stray bullet from a security agent, who attempted to disarm him.
This was said to have incensed the youths who vented their spleen on vehicles and the entourage.
Spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, said that the traditional ruler went to perform some rites and in the process, a fence fell, causing the youths to go violent.
He added that two vehicles were burnt, while the youth who was hit by a stray bullet later died.
A statement issued by Greg Elue Okwumbu, the Media aide to the Obi of Ogwashi-uku Kingdom, said the attack was masterminded by cultists and thugs imported into Otulu.
“The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and members of the Obi in Council of Ogwashi-Uku visited Otulu Ogwashi-Uku today 17/09/2021. The visit was largely successful and the Obi met members of the community, prayed with them and discussed with them about the issues,” the statement read.
“At the end of the visit and when the Obi was departing, cultists and thugs imported into Otulu who was aware of the visit attacked members of the entourage who were at the rear of the convoy. The thugs attempted to forcefully seize a gun belonging to a law enforcement member who escorted the Obi on the visit
“It is important to note that members of the press accompanied the Obi on the visit. Law enforcement from the Office of the Area Commander and also the Brigade Command in Asaba were also there at the visit and witnessed everything that happened
“The people who sponsored the thugs are known to us and will be brought to Justice.”
