By Egufe Yafugborhi

WARRI— OBRUCHE Sunday, a youth of Ayama, an outpost of Aladja, Udu Local Government Area, was reportedly shot dead by men from neighbouring Isaba, Warri South West, Delta State in communal conflict, yesterday.

Outgoing Assistant Commissioner of Police, Warri Area Command, Mohammed Mu’Azu, who confirmed the incident, further disclosed that another unidentified Ayama indigene was still missing over the conflict.

Mu’Azu said: “I gathered that Isaba people were coming with a boat containing bunkering products.

“Ayama people said they should stop passing through their community with the illegal products. The Isaba people used a speedboat to capsize the canoe the Ayama came with.

“That was when one person went missing. Ayama people mobilised to attack the speedboat and the people carrying bunkering products. Isaba re-enforced and came with arms.

“It was in this process they shot the Ayama boy, Sunday Obruche. He died instantly because he was shot on the chest.”

Boro Opudu, Chairman, Delta State Waterways and Inland Security Committee, when contacted, said: “I am in Asaba right now. I heard of it. There is nothing I can do than to call the security agents to move in and contain the situation and I believe they are there now.”

Ayanru Eric, Ayama community leader, could not be reached for comments, but Wisdom Onatomre, Aladja community youth leader, confirmed that soldiers and police personnel were conferring with the community and Ayama leaders.