Gunmen suspected to be cultists on Monday night attacked a local drinking spot along the Custom road area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, killing three persons and critically injuring five others in a renewed cult war in the state.
Among those killed was a 50 years old Landlord, Mr. Niceman Agonebi popularly known as “Honorable” and In-law to the former Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Peremobowei Ebibi.
The Female Restaurant owner, who is popularly called Madam Odey, had her jaw torn apart by the stray bullet of the rampaging cultists. Two others received fatal gun shot wounds.
Eyewitness told journalists that the gunmen arrived the custom road in a commercial tricycle popularly known as Keke NAPEP at about 8pm and opened fire on their target who was in the midst of people at the local drinking spot.
The cultists, who were reportedly armed with assault rifles, shot sporadically at everyone on the street. Many residents and passerby were reportedly critically injured.
The arrival of the operatives of the State Police Command and some officials of the Bayelsa State Vigilante Service and State Volunteer led to a hot chase of the gunmen. They however escaped through the Edepie/Tombia areas of the State capital.
It was learnt that the men of the Bayelsa Vigilante Service and the State Volunteer force are already launching a raid on black spots in the state capital.
The Acting Chairman of the State Vigilante Service, Hon. Doubiye Alagba told leadership that the State government have gathered useful information on the activities of the rival cult groups involved in the killings and will ensure they are brought to book.
Hon. Doubiye Alagba, who confirmed the incident and visited the scene, condoled with the families of the victims and restated his call on the leaders of the cult groups to desist from the dastardly act and embrace peace or face the consequences of playing otherwise.
It was gathered that the incident is not unconnected with the ongoing rivalry war between some members of the Icelanders and the Bobos known as De Bam. A check showed that in the last three weeks, over eight boys have been killed in the state capital.
Contacted on the development, the Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident and assured that the perpetrators will soon be arrested and brought to book
