Three killed as cultists terrorise Bayelsa residents

Sunday Trust gathered that one of the victims, a policeman, was shot dead on Christmas day by rampaging cultists at 12 am, while two other policemen sustained deadly gunshot injuries as they were on routine patrol along the Agudama area of the state capital.The paramount ruler of Agudama-Epie, Chief Wisdon Franklin confirmed the shooting between […]

Sunday Trust gathered that one of the victims, a policeman, was shot dead on Christmas day by rampaging cultists at 12 am, while two other policemen sustained deadly gunshot injuries as they were on routine patrol along the Agudama area of the state capital.
The paramount ruler of Agudama-Epie, Chief Wisdon Franklin confirmed the shooting between policemen and unidentified gunmen, but declined further comment.
The police public relations officer, Bayelsa State command, Asinim Bautswat, who confirmed the incident, however, said no policeman was killed.
“The gunmen opened fire on our patrol team and injured our men. While no policeman was killed, three officers among the team were, however, injured. One of them has been discharged while two are receiving treatment,” he said.
The incident was said to be a fallout of clashes between two rival cult groups, Highlanders and Icelanders. Two members of the gang lost their lives in the process.
A security source who pleaded anonymity said the bloody conflict occurred in the afternoon along Salvation Road, Agudiama. He said guns were freely used in the area during the violent confrontation, which caused panic and confusion in the area.
“There were gunshots during the fight. At the end, two members of the rival cult groups, the Highlanders and the Icelanders, were found dead at the spot. They were shot and killed”, he said.
Meanwhile, residents of Kpansia, Obele and Agudama areas of Bayelsa State capital have appealed to the security agencies to beef up security around their neighbourhood following persistent attacks by suspected cultists.
A source who pleaded anonymity said the people of the affected areas now sleep with one eye closed. According to him,” Cult boys, armed with dangerous weapons, usually enter any chosen street and dispossess any victim of phones and other valuables. They even enter your flats or home and dispossess you of cash and other valuables.”
Reacting to the development, the police spokesman said the command had intensified patrol of the streets and areas in the state capital.
“We have increased our number of patrols in the state capital and increased the number of men on surveillance. We are doing everything possible to ensure the security of lives and property in the state during this festive season,’’ he maintained.