Cult clashes claim 2 lives in Bayelsa

Incessant cult clashes have claimed two lives while five others have been injured in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

Two unknown rival cult gangs are said to be fighting over control of the town, resulting in heavy shooting in some parts of the state capital.

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Daily Trust learnt that the clashes have continued unabated despite efforts by security agencies and the state government to contain the security threat.

Last Monday, two persons were killed at Erepa and Agudama-Epie communities of Yenagoa Local Government, while five others who sustained various 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 as the command has 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 09:30pm, unknown gunmen suspected to be cultists in an unmarked Toyota Camry Car shot at some residents in front of their shop at Erepa and sped 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 09:45 pm and shot at one Paul Marcus Ivinbeke ‘m’ 23 years, in a shop. The victim was taken to Tobis Hospital, Akenfa, where he eventually died.

“The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Mike Okoli fsi, has ordered police detectives to fish out the hoodlums who perpetrated this dastardly act and appeals to members of the public to provide useful information that will assist the command in its investigation,”  he said.

Also, the Bayelsa State government while condemning the cult-related killing 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 government is working closely with the security operatives to ensure that the gang members involved in the dastardly act are brought to book.