Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A wave of fear has swept through the Igbogene community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, following an outbreak of fresh cult violence on Sunday that left at least three people feared dead.
The early morning attack shattered the peace of the area as rival cult groups engaged in a deadly clash, with sporadic gunfire echoing through the streets. Panic-stricken residents fled for their lives, abandoning their homes as business activities ground to a halt. Families barricaded themselves indoors, terrified by the uncertainty of what might follow.
Eyewitnesses reported that the violence erupted without warning, escalating within minutes and plunging the neighbourhood into chaos. While the Bayelsa State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the casualties at the time of filing this report, credible community sources alleged that three young men lost their lives in the assault. Their identities remain unknown, and several others are said to have sustained injuries of varying degrees.
A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, described the incident as a troubling escalation of cult-related unrest that has plagued parts of the state in recent weeks. He urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and restore order before the situation deteriorates further.
This latest bloodshed adds to a disturbing trend, with reports indicating that no fewer than six people have been killed in separate cult-related clashes across the state in recent weeks, heightening anxieties among residents about their safety.
In the aftermath of the violence, community leaders have appealed for calm, calling on local youths to renounce violence and embrace peace.
Meanwhile, residents are imploring the state government and security forces to take decisive and proactive measures to prevent further loss of life.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for official confirmation were ongoing as this report was filed.
