A cult clash in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, on Monday, led to the death of three persons including a 50-year-old landlord.
Many other persons were said to have been injured during the clash.
It was learnt that the cultists, probably on a revenge mission, opened fire on a pub on Custom Road killing three persons and injuring others.
The landlord, Mr Niceman Agonebi, popularly known as ‘Honourable,’ was allegedly cut down by stray bullets during the encounter.
The female owner of the bar, popularly called Madam Odey, had her jaw shattered by the stray bullets of the rampaging cultists while two others received gunshot wounds.
Eyewitnesses said that the gunmen arrived Custom Road in a commercial tricycle at about 8pm and opened fire on their target, who was in the midst of people at the pub.
The cultists, who were reportedly armed with assault rifles, shot sporadically at everyone on the street, leaving many residents and passers-by critically injured.
The arrival of the operatives of the State Police Command and some officials of the Bayelsa State Vigilance Service led to a hot chase of the gunmen.
They, however, escaped through the Edepie/Tombia areas of the state capital.
It was gathered that men of the Bayelsa Vigilance Service and the State Volunteer Force had already launched a raid on black spots in the state capital.
The Acting Chairman of the State Vigilance Service, Doubiye Alagba, told newsmen that the state government had gathered useful information on the activities of the rival cult groups involved in the killings and will ensure they are brought to book.
Alagba, who confirmed the incident, condoled with the families of the victims, restating his call on the leaders of the cult groups to desist from the dastardly act, embrace peace or face the consequences of their actions.
It was learnt that the incident might not be unconnected with the ongoing cult war between some members of the Icelanders and the Bobos.
Over eight persons have lost their lives in the last three weeks since the supremacy war between both cult groups escalated in the state capital.
Just few days ago, a violent clash between both rival cult groups in Amarata claimed the lives of a teenager and four other persons.
Contacted on the development, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.
He vowed that the perpetrators would soon be arrested and brought to book.