(By Ben Dunno – WARRI)
A fierce confrontation between the youths of Isaba community in Warri South-West Local Government Area and those of Ayama, an outskirt settlement of Aladja community in Udu council area, both in Delta state, has claimed a life and left many injured.
Both communities are said to have previously enjoyed a cordial relationship as they both share the same boundaries, even though they belong to different ends of two local government areas along the coastal settlements.
However, recent disagreements over the collection of waterway toll fees from passengers boats and levies on goods coming into the communities through the river that linked both communities, was the spark that set off the clashes, our sources tell us.
It was gathered that trouble started in the community yesterday, when some youths of Ayama accosted some indigenes from Isaba, who were reportedly conveying illegally refined petroleum through their waterway.
Ayama youths, we are told, had warned their neighbours against transporting the illegal products through their community without paying levies.
Confirming the incident to newsmen in Warri yesterday, Aladja community youth leader, Wisdom Onatomre, said one Sunday Obruche was shot dead while another unidentified person was still missing while many others sustained injuries during the fracas
He said the remains of the dead victim had been deposited in the morgue while the community had intensified its search for the one declared missing person.
State police and soldiers of army’s 3rd Battalion have effectively taken charge of the area, said assistant police commissioner Mohammed Muazu.
“Our boys are there, the 2IC Area Commander is very much on ground. The men of the 3rd Battalion in Effurun are also on ground there. We have been able to calm the situation down,” Muazu said.