Three youths were shot dead while five others sustained serious injuries during the annual traditional festival in Eku community, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, on Monday night.
Pictures and videos said to show the aftermath of the incident circulated online from about 8:30 p.m., creating tension in the community.
Sources in the Urhobo community told Vanguard that the incident may have been linked to a supremacy dispute between rival groups seeking territorial control. However, it was not independently confirmed whether the victims belonged to any group or whether the killings were cult-related.
Eyewitnesses said residents were celebrating at drinking spots around Osuere when a phone call reportedly informed one person that a member of his group had been shot elsewhere.
“Without trying to verify the information, he reportedly ran to his vehicle, brought out a pump-action rifle and opened fire at three youths at different locations,” sources said.
One of the victims was also reportedly found with a cutlass injury on the neck.
About five others were taken to hospitals after suffering deep cutlass wounds during the festival.
A resident, Kenneth, said cutlasses are traditionally used during the celebration.
“We dance with cutlasses during the festival and sometimes use them on ourselves.
“If you cut someone with a cutlass and the injury is serious, the person may retaliate.
“That was how some people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital,” he said.
Security personnel later moved into the community to restore calm and prevent further violence.
