Tensions have escalated in the Ughelli North local government area of Delta State as public schools were shut down, and a house was razed due to a dispute surrounding the Oteri-Ughelli community Youth election.

This incident nearly claimed the lives of eight individuals, including students and pupils of Oteri secondary and Ative primary schools.

The source of the dispute stems from the expiration of the tenure of the youth executive in the community, which prompted the establishment of an electoral committee to oversee the election of new members.

According to community sources, “Eight persons narrowly escaped a tragic fate as unknown hoodlums set ablaze a two-bedroom apartment owned by Mr. Agani in connection with the Oteri community Youth election.”

“The arson took place in the dead of night while Mr. Agani’s eight daughters were asleep in the house. Quick intervention by their mother and first responders prevented a terrible tragedy.”

Reports suggest that the controversy surrounding the yet-to-be-conducted election had been ongoing, with members of the electoral committee unable to reach a consensus among the candidates.

Furthermore, it was disclosed that following the successful screening of all candidates, the committee members could not agree on the preferred candidate. This inability to reach an agreement led to heightened tensions and acts of vandalism.

A member of the Oteri community executive, who spoke anonymously, revealed that the election dispute primarily revolves around two prominent personalities vying for the youth chairmanship position.

“The current situation is a power struggle between influential individuals, each having a different candidate in mind for the next youth chairman in the community. Unfortunately, the person favored by the majority is at odds with one of the influential figures.”

The position of youth chairman in the community is limited to a 48-month term, raising concerns about the need to preserve peace and avoid unwarranted destruction.

As of the time of this report, one of the leading contenders for the community chairmanship, Comrade Erute Esegine, voluntarily presented himself to the police for questioning.

A senior security source from the State Police Command confirmed the incident but clarified that the detained person is not the President General of the Oteri community.

Efforts by the police to encourage dialogue and prevent the escalation of the issue had previously been disregarded by the parties involved.