Stray bullets kill two traders as rival cults clash in Bayelsa

Two traders have reportedly been killed following a clash involving suspected rival cults in Bayelsa state.

It was gathered that the incident happened around the popular Swali Market in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Monday.

Aside from the deceased, two other victims sustained gunshot wounds and were said to be receiving treatment in hospital.

The deceased and the two surviving victims were traders in the market and they were hit by stray bullets fired by the cultists, it was learnt.

The fight threw the market into chaos as traders, customers and passers-by ran in different directions, while some shops were looted and cash stolen.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Mr Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident said the command had yet to ascertain the names of the rival cults.

“It was a rival cult clash. Two persons died, while Emmanuel Akpaye and Chinedu Offor are responding to treatment at the Federal Medical Centre.”

Butswat said the command has commenced investigation into the incident.