A friendly football match between teams from Eniwari and Opuama communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State ended in tragedy after a youth was allegedly killed following a clash linked to the game.
The victim, identified as Thomas Ogbianawei, an indigene of Eniwari community, was reportedly attacked after tensions erupted during the encounter between the two teams.
Sources in the area said a disagreement broke out among players during the match, creating tension on the field and disrupting the otherwise friendly sporting event.
Although the altercation was said to have been limited to the players, the situation reportedly escalated after the game when members of the visiting team began their journey home.
According to community accounts, some individuals from Opuama allegedly encountered Ogbianawei along the route between Eniwari and Fonibiri communities and identified him as a resident of Eniwari.
The attackers were said to have descended on the young man, inflicting severe injuries on him during the assault.
He later succumbed to his injuries, a development that has sparked grief in Eniwari and heightened tensions between the neighbouring communities.
Concerned over the incident, community leaders have appealed to youths to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions that could trigger further violence.
Confirming the killing, the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Target Segibo, expressed sadness over the incident and extended condolences to the family of the deceased and residents of Eniwari community.
The Bayelsa State Police Command also confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation had commenced while one suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing.