A 26-year-old man identified as Tari, popularly known as Heavyweight, has allegedly been hacked to death during a violent clash between rival youth factions in Diema community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday following a disagreement linked to the inspection of a parcel of land said to have been earmarked for a crude oil tank farm by an unidentified oil company.
According to community sources, Tari, who hailed from Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) in Nembe Local Government Area, was reportedly associated with a youth faction loyal to Ingo Ikele, the Amayanabo of Diema-Brass.
According to a source the tensions escalated after Ikele allegedly directed youths loyal to him to participate in an inspection visit to the disputed land.
However, the group was reportedly confronted by another faction loyal to Baratuaipre Amaene, described by sources as a rival traditional ruler in the community.
The disagreement allegedly degenerated into a violent confrontation, during which Tari sustained injuries that eventually led to his death.
Related News:
Bayelsa Police Launch Crackdown on Cultists, Sponsors
Bayelsa Reunites Rescued São Tomé Fishermen With Envoy
Murder Suspect Dies After Collapsing At Bayelsa High Court
Sources close to the Divisional Police Headquarters disclosed that the victim was rushed to a hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival by medical personnel.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about growing tensions between rival youth groups in the community, although the precise circumstances that triggered the violence remain unclear.
Confirming the incident, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said normalcy had been restored to the area.
He added that the police had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the clash.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had not provided further details regarding possible arrests in connection with the incident.
Residents are awaiting the outcome of the investigation as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.
About the Author
