A 26-year-old man identified simply as Tari, popularly known as Heavyweight, has reportedly been macheted to death following a violent clash between two rival youth factions in Diema community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The deceased was said to be a member of a youth faction loyal to His Highness Ingo Ikele, the Amayanabo of Diema-Brass.
According to a source, the crisis reportedly began when Ingo Ikele directed youths loyal to him to participate in an inspection visit to a parcel of land earmarked for the development of a crude oil tank farm by an oil company whose identity had yet to be established.
However, the youths were reportedly resisted by another faction loyal to His Highness Baratuaipre Amaene, described by sources as a rival traditional ruler in the community.
The disagreement subsequently escalated into a violent confrontation, during which Tari was allegedly attacked with a machete and fatally injured.
The deceased, who hailed from Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri), in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was reportedly rushed to a hospital for medical attention. However, medical personnel on duty were said to have declared him dead on arrival.
Sources close to the Divisional Police Headquarters disclosed that the incident had been reported to the police.
When contacted for comments, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said normalcy had been restored to the community.
He added that an investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the clash and determine the circumstances that led to the young man’s death.
The incident has raised concerns over youth violence and tensions surrounding land-related activities in the oil-producing community.
Further details were expected as the police investigation progressed.