Tension has gripped the Agudama-Epie community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, following the brutal killing of a 30-year-old man, Darlington Watson, by suspected members of a rival cult group. Watson, identified as a member of the Greenlanders cult, was stoned to death on Wednesday evening by members of the Bobous cult as the ongoing rivalry between the two groups escalated.
According to sources, the conflict stems from a struggle for control over the new transport terminal at Igbogene on the outskirts of Yenagoa. Several lives have already been lost in the violent confrontations between the warring factions.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that Watson was traveling in a tricycle when members of the rival group intercepted the vehicle, dragged him out, and brutally assaulted him with sticks and stones until he succumbed to his injuries. The attack reportedly took place at around 5:15 p.m. in front of a Pentecostal church in Agudama-Epie.
The family of the deceased swiftly retrieved his corpse for burial, while the perpetrators fled before security operatives arrived at the scene.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Command, Musa Mohammed, stated that investigations have been intensified to apprehend those responsible. He further urged young people to avoid cultism and criminal activities, emphasizing the dangers of involvement in violent groups.
The police are actively working to track down the suspects and restore peace in the area as concerns grow over the rising cult-related violence in Yenagoa.
