Four killed as cult groups clash in Bayelsa

The deadly duel occurred barely two days after communities in Yenagoa placed a ban on cult activities in the area.

It was gathered in the clash in Swali between the Dey-Well and Bobos cult groups, three persons were allegedly killed.

The three victims were said to be killed at the road linking Aritalin Road to Obele Street in Ovom area of Down Yenagoa.

Another person was reportedly killed in the Osiri area of Ekeki suburb of Yenagoa metropolis rounding up the number of fatalities to four.

Details of the cause of the fracas were sketchy but sources claimed it was not unconnected with political rivalry following the fallout of alleged funds released to one of the groups by some unnamed politicians.

The recent upsurge in cult clashes in the Yenagoa metropolis has sent jitters down the spine of many residents in the state capital.

A popular entertainer, Laffcyrup Odumgele, on his Facebook page called on the State Government to take the issue of security seriously.

The entertainer wrote: “Bayelsa State government should really look into the level of insecurity, particularly cult activities, seriously.”

It was learnt that rival cult clashes usually heighten when politicians engage cult members in their political activities.

Reacting to the clash, Bayelsa Police spokesman, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident but said only two persons were killed.

He said the Police had arrested four persons in connection with incident, stressing that investigation was ongoing.