Eight individuals narrowly escaped tragedy as students and pupils of Oteri secondary and Ative primary schools were denied access to their classrooms due to the burning down of a building that housed a member of the electoral committee for the Oteri-Ughelli community Youth election in Ughelli North local government area of Delta State.

The community's youth executive's term had expired, prompting the formation of an electoral committee to conduct new elections. Hoodlums set fire to a two-bedroom apartment owned by Mr. Agani over the Oteri community Youth election, putting the lives of eight of his daughters at risk.

They entered Agani's house at night through a window to commit arson while his daughters were sleeping. Fortunately, their mother and first responders arrived to rescue them from the fire.

Meanwhile, there has been a lingering controversy over the yet-to-be-conducted election, as members of the electoral committee failed to reach a consensus between the candidates. Tensions escalated due to the postponement of the elections, leading to the burning of houses and property.

The conflict revolves around two prominent personalities within the community, each supporting a different candidate for the youth chairman position. The position has a term of 48 months, and the struggle for control has resulted in unnecessary destruction and violence.

At the time of reporting, a top contender for the community chairmanship position, Comrade Erute Esegine, had voluntarily submitted himself to the police for questioning. A senior security source from the State Police Command confirmed the incident and clarified that the detained individual was not the President General of the Oteri community.

The police had previously advised them to hold a comprehensive meeting with the involved parties to prevent further escalation of the issue, but these suggestions were not heeded.