Cultists kill trader in Otuoke

Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed a shop owner at the Federal University Otuoke (FUO) in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State. The victim, a graduate of the school, was killed during a clash between two rival cult groups who were fighting for control of the institution. The victim, after graduating a few years ago, […]

Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed a shop owner at the Federal University Otuoke (FUO) in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State.

The victim, a graduate of the school, was killed during a clash between two rival cult groups who were fighting for control of the institution.

The victim, after graduating a few years ago, was said to have opened a laundry shop in the institution’s host community, Otuoke, where he also ran a cafe.

Daily Trust gathered that the incident occurred on Friday night when the victim was shot by the hoodlums.

Sources in the campus told Daily Trust that the incident followed a confrontation between the rival cult groups: Neo Black Movement, popularly known as Black Axe, and the Vikings (DNKI).

A source said, “The armed boys could not find their target. When they later saw Mark, they shot him. While his friends were rushing him to the hospital, their vehicle hit a speed bump, which caused an accident.”

He added that, “He was always smiling and minding his business. He was more focused on making money and was not actively involved in cult activities.”

Another source said, “Some Vikings members advised him to leave the area, but he stayed because of his girlfriend.”

Police spokesman in Bayelsa, DSP Musa Muhammad, said the police had launched a discreet and thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.