A 21-year-old youth from Oko-Amakom in Oshimili South local government area of Delta State was allegedly shot dead yesterday by a armed soldier following hot argument that ensued over masquerade dance.

Trouble started when some soldiers attached to UGNL/IDSL Joint Ventures, an oil prospecting company in the area ran into a group of masquerade dancers. And incidentally, the killed youth is a casual staff of the company.

The victim, identified as Mr. Osakwe Nwanze, was shot after a group of boys from the town stopped the soldiers being conveyed in the company’s vehicle to enable the community’s masquerade which was on the road to pass first because it is a taboo for visitors to catch a glimpse of it.

Eye witness said that it was in  the process, one of the soldiers slapped him Nwanze and before one could call Jack Robinson, another solider jumped down from the vehicle him at close range.
Heavy commotion broke out and it took the intervention of  community leaders to stop the youths from lynching the soldiers and personnel of the companies after the incident.

State police command’s spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka confirmed the incident, saying “it is true, we are yet to actually get them (soldiers) but we are in touch with their office (Army headquarters Abuja).