WARRI – With less than a fortnight to the 2019 general elections, palpable fear has continued to grip residents of Effurun , in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State as sporadic gunshots have continued unabated for hours.

The gunshots were heard around Jakpa Road, Warri Sapele Road, Sokoh Estate Road and the PTI Road -where four persons were reportedly said to have lost their lives as a result of clash between supporters of rival parties on Sunday .

Business activities were abruptly brought to an end as shop in Effurun and environs were forced to close for the day before midday to avoid hoodlums catching in on the situation to loot the shops; roads were almost deserted as only a very few vehicles were seen on the roads at about 4pm.

Some residents have expressed concern about the developments in area, as according to them , a warning has gone to residents who are not ready to vote a particular party during the elections, to steer clear from the polling stations.

Jerome Adun , who spoke with the Nigerian Observer 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 are also reports that rival parties supporters have clashed in the University town of Abraka, leaving scores wounded.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer,(PPRO) ASP Andrew Aniamaka who confirmed the incident to Nigerian Observer, said, normalcy has 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 suspects and they would soon appear in court.

“Some dark spots were raided yesterday and men of the Nigerian Police are on constant patrol to ensure security of lives and properties “.