A suspected cultist believed to be the leader of the Bobos cult group, Olotu Wanemi Omubo, has been shot dead by gunmen said to be members of a rival gang in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
LEADERSHIP learnt that some members of a rival cult gang had on Thursday night at about 9pm, trailed the deceased to the residence of a female friend at Goodnews Street, along Azikoro town.
Upon sighting their target, the assailants reportedly opened fire on him three times at close range.
Another source added that stones were hurled at the corpse of Omubo after the shooting to confirm his death before fleeing the scene.
Security sources told our correspondent that the killing was a follow up to the lingering battle between the Greenlanders, Vikings and Bobos rival cult groups in the state.
Members of the Bobos cult group were also fingered in the shooting of one suspected Unit leader of the Vikings cult group – Christian along the Kimiowei Filling Station area of Imgbi Road in Amarata.
Christian who was shot in the shoulder at close range is reported to be in a critical condition in an undisclosed hospital.
The shooting of the Vikings member led to the invasion of Swali area of the state capital where four persons were killed on Easter Sunday.
Concerned observers have warned residents to avoid night movement and unnecessary social gatherings, fearing reprisal attacks from the Bobos cult group.
“There would be more killings if the police and the state government failed to intervene. Innocent persons were killed at Swali when they did not see the cult boys”, a resident from Azikoro said.
Another resident identified as Melvin, said that the known notorious cult members in Amarata have gone into hiding out of fear.
“We don’t see most them around again. Those at Apex, Imgbi Road and OMOADEC area have gone into hiding. We now live in fear”, he said.
The Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Musa Mohammed confirmed that police have received the report of the killing of one person along Azikoro town but awaiting full details on the incident.
However, a senior Police officer at the Command told LEADERSHIP anonymously that the Police is investigating the incidents and monitoring key actors in the renewed cult war.
