Youth leader Tari killed in Bayelsa land dispute clash

On Sunday, a 26-year-old man identified as Tari, popularly known as Heavyweight, was allegedly macheted to death during a clash between two rival youth factions in Diema community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Tari was reportedly a member of a youth faction loyal to His Highness Ingo Ikele, the Amayanabo of Diema-Brass.

The conflict began when Ikele directed his loyal youths to inspect a parcel of land earmarked for a crude oil tank farm by an unidentified oil company. They were confronted by another faction loyal to His Highness Baratuaipre Amaene, a rival traditional ruler.

The confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in Tari sustaining fatal machete injuries. He was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The incident has raised concerns about ongoing tensions between the rival youth groups. DSP Musa Mohammed, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that normalcy has been restored and an investigation is ongoing, although no arrests have been reported at this time.