Three killed in Bayelsa community cult clash

Three persons have been killed as suspected cultists attacked Igbogene Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The attack on Wednesday night, at about 8.00 pm, is the first in nearly a year after the state government overhauled its security apparatus with the establishment of the Community Security Corps among others.

Numbering about 10, the armed cultists killed Donaldson Mison, 28 years, Addy Mulan, 27 years and Greenboy Dudella, 29 years, all male members of the Igbogene community.

One of the victims is said to be the son of a former head of the community vigilante group.

A community source told PUNCH Metro on Thursday that, “The cult boys, numbering about 10 and armed with dangerous weapons, invaded our community at about 8.00 pm. Many residents escaped to safety and locked their doors.

“The first person shot dead was the son of the former head of the community vigilante group.

“He was shot close to his house. The second person, who was not a cultist, was shot when he could not disclose the whereabouts of his elder brother,” he said.

There is concern that the attack was a result of rivalry between two cult groups identified as Bobos and Greenlanders.

The source said those involved were all residents and indigenes of the Igbogene community.

While the state police command said three persons were killed, the community said two died in the attack with the third person receiving treatment for the gunshot wound.

The youth president of the Igbogene community, Mr Ezekiel Igbenivie, said all those involved had absconded, “but one of those persons shot is still alive. He is receiving treatment.”

The survivor who is alleged to be a member of the Greenlander cult group was mistakenly shot but was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

Another source said it was the arrival of the police teams including the Operation Doo Akpo, the Anti-Kidnapping and the Rapid Response Team that calmed the situation.

The spokesman for the Bayelsa Police Command, Mr Musa Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, said an investigation was going on.

“Yes, the incident took place. The police are investigating it,” he told PUNCH Metro.