Shooting Stars defender, Izu Joseph is shot dead in Bayelsa.

Nigerian footballer Izu Joseph has been shot dead, apparently by soldiers battling militants in the oil-rich south, a BBC reporter has tweeted:

Tragic end😢#Nigeria's @Official3SC defender Izu Joseph has been shot dead by soldiers in his hometown in Bayelsa State. via @AfrFootball pic.twitter.com/bMQMcICuhj

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) October 17, 2016

Izu's father confirmed he was shot by the Joint Task Force (JTF), who are locked in a face-off with militants in the restive Niger Delta.

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) October 17, 2016

Caught out at a restricted area by soldiers on a raid. Identity as a footballer was only established after he had been shot.✍🏿️@AfrFootball😡

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) October 17, 2016

Our thoughts are with the Mgt. & Staff of @Official3SC on the shocking loss of their player, Izu Joseph. May his soul Rest In Peace! #RIPIzu pic.twitter.com/K7OnFgtOFr

— The NFF (@thenff) October 17, 2016