Three persons were reportedly shot dead on Sunday in a renewed cult clash at Igbogene axis of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

Daily Trust gathered that two cult groups, Greenlanders and Boboos, were fighting over control of the area.

Just two weeks ago, a 30-year-old man, simply identified as Ebi, was beheaded by suspected members of Bobos cult group at Yenegue axis of Yenagoa.

Ebi was said to be a member of Greenlanders, a situation that has escalated the clashes in different communities in Yenagoa.

It was gathered that the latest clash has claimed the lives of no fewer than six persons in the past few weeks.

Residents of Igbogene community told Daily Trust that the clash, which erupted in the early hours of Sunday, threw the community into panic as gunshots were heard in different parts of the area.

Residents reportedly fled their homes for safety, while business activities were abruptly halted.

Though the identities of the victims were still sketchy, but some youths were said to have sustained severe injuries during the clash.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as “a continuation of the disturbing cult-related violence that has plagued parts of the state in recent weeks.”

Community leaders are said to be making efforts to appeal for calm, while urging youths to shun violence and embrace peace.

Meanwhile, residents have called on the state government and security agencies to take proactive measures to prevent further bloodshed in the area.

Police spokesman in Bayelsa State, DSP Musa Muhammad, who confirmed the latest cult clash, said investigation has commenced and efforts are on to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects. (Daily Trust)