Bayelsa Horror: Innocent Woman Gunned Down in Crossfire Of Cult War

Bayelsa Horror: Innocent Woman Gunned Down in Crossfire Of Cult War

A woman, identified as Onorakpoma, tragically lost her life from a stray bullet during a violent cult clash between two rival groups, Bobos and Greenlanders, at the Swali Ultra Modern Market in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Onorakpoma, a trader from the Emede community in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, was struck while going about her business. Despite efforts to rush her to Southern Ijaw Local Government Area for emergency treatment, she succumbed to her injuries on Monday.

This tragic event has raised alarms about the security situation around the market’s slaughter section, with traders calling for stricter safety measures to prevent further casualties.

When our correspondent visited the site on Tuesday morning, most shops along Slaughter Road were closed, allegedly due to directives from security personnel. However, some traders cautiously reopened their businesses later in the day.

Sources indicated that the police were frustrated by the lack of reports from traders on cult activities, learning about the incident only after Onorakpoma’s death.

Members of the Isoko community have voiced concerns over police interference with the deceased’s family’s wishes. A market insider revealed that Onorakpoma had instructed those around her to bury her immediately if she passed away, rather than send her to a mortuary.

According to the source, the incident unfolded when a member of a northern-based cult approached his former leader from a rival group for financial aid. After being refused, a confrontation broke out, during which the man was shot in the arm. The bullet ricocheted, fatally wounding Onorakpoma. She was rushed for medical help, but tragically passed away en route.

The President of the Isoko Development Union in Bayelsa, Mr. Godstime Ohigbo, criticized the police for preventing the family from laying the deceased to rest.

“We are at the State CID as we speak. The corpse is at her residence, being guarded by the police,” he stated.

In response, Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, confirmed the incident, stating that the police had acted swiftly after receiving the report.

“Upon receiving the alert, the Commissioner of Police deployed tactical teams to restore order in Swali, and calm has been restored. Three suspects linked to the cult groups have been arrested,” Mohammed added.

Regarding the family’s inability to retrieve the body, he explained, “The police must conduct an investigation before the body can be released. It will be taken to the mortuary once the investigation is complete.”

Samuel Ese

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