Bayelsa Youth Leader Hacked To Death In Alleged Land Dispute

A 26-year-old man identified as Tari, popularly known as Heavyweight, has allegedly been hacked to death during a clash between rival youth factions in Diema community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday amid tensions over a parcel of land said to have been earmarked for a crude oil tank farm by an unidentified oil company.

Some sources in the community revealed the deceased, reportedly from Opu-Nembe, also known as Bassambiri, in Nembe Local Government Area, was associated with a youth faction loyal to Ingo Ikele, the Amayanabo of Diema-Brass.

According to sources, the crisis began when Ikele allegedly directed youths loyal to him to join an inspection visit to the disputed land. The group was reportedly confronted by another faction said to be loyal to Baratuaipre Amaene, a rival traditional ruler in the community.

The disagreement allegedly escalated into violence, during which Tari sustained injuries. Sources close to the Divisional Police Headquarters said he was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The incident has raised concerns over tensions between rival youth groups in the community. However, the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain unclear.

The Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed that normalcy had been restored in the area and said an investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances of the clash.

As of the time of filing this report, no further details had emerged regarding possible arrests.