Two persons have been killed while five others sustained severe injuries in recent cult clashes in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
Two unknown rival cult gangs are said to be fighting for control of the town.
There have been heavy shootings in some parts of the state capital recently, despite efforts by security agencies and the state government to contain the menace.
Last Monday, two persons were killed at Erepa and Agudama-Epie communities of Yenagoa Local Government while five others who sustained various degree of injuries are responding to treatment at some undisclosed hospitals in the state, according to police authorities.
The police spokesman in Bayelsa State, SP Asinim Butswat, while confirming the incident, appealed to the people of the State and members of the public to remain calm, saying that the command had launched an investigation into the drive-by shooting incident at Erepa and Agudama-epie communities, in Yenagoa.
He said: “On 22 February 2021 at about 2130 hours unknown gunmen suspected to be cultists in an unmarked Toyota Camry Car shot at some residents in front of their shop at Erepa and zoomed off.
“Policemen responded swiftly and rescued five victims to the hospital.
“However, one Auwal Bashir, who was fatally injured, died in the hospital.
“The other victims are responding to treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
“The suspected cultists proceeded to Agudama Epie at about 2145 hours and shot at one Paul Marcus Ivinbeke ‘m’ 23 years in a shop.
“The victim was rushed to Tobis Hospital, Akenfa where he eventually died.”
“The Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State Command, CP Mike Okoli, has ordered police detectives to fish out the hoodlums who perpetrated this dastardly act and appeals to members of the public to volunteer useful information that will assist the Command in its investigation.
Also, the Bayelsa State government, while confirming the cult-related killings and shooting of the innocent people, promised to foot the medical bills of the injured persons.
The state commissioner for information, orientation and strategy, Mr Ayiba Crowther Duba, in a statement, assured the citizens and people living in the state that the government would ensure that the gang members involved in the dastardly act are brought to book.
He said the state government is also committed to doing everything within its powers to ensure that such sad events never occurred again.
He also urged the people to go about their lawful businesses and cooperate with the authorities in efforts to bring the perpetrators to book.
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