*As fear grips Igbogene residents
Three persons were on Sunday shot dead in a renewed cult clash at the Igbogene axis of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The violence erupted during a confrontation between rival cult groups – the Greenlanders and the Boboos – allegedly battling for territorial control in parts of the State capital.
The latest killings come barely two weeks after a 30-year-old man, simply identified as Ebi, was reportedly murdered at the Yenegue axis of Yenagoa.
Ebi was said to be a member of the Greenlanders, a development that heightened tensions and sparked reprisal attacks across some communities.
Sources said no fewer than six persons have lost their lives in cult-related violence in recent weeks, raising fresh concerns over security in the state capital.
Residents of Igbogene community said that the clash, which broke out in the early hours of Sunday, threw the area into panic as sporadic gunshots were heard in different parts of the neighbourhood.
Many residents reportedly fled their homes for safety, while business activities were abruptly shut down.
Although the identities of the three victims were yet to be officially confirmed as of press time, several other youths were said to have sustained serious injuries during the attack.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as “a continuation of the disturbing cult-related violence that has plagued parts of the state in recent weeks.”
Community leaders were said to be making efforts to restore calm, urging youths to shun violence and embrace peaceful coexistence.
Meanwhile, residents have called on the Bayelsa State Government and security agencies to take proactive steps to prevent further bloodshed.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, DSP Musa Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying investigation has commenced and efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.