Stray bullet kills Trader inside market during cult supremacy clash
A stray bullet fired during a violent clash between rival cult groups, the Bobous and the Greenlanders, tragically claimed the life of a woman at the Swali Ultra Modern Market in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
The victim, identified only as Onorakpoma, was a market trader originally from the Emede community in Delta State’s Isoko South Local Government Area.
Witnesses to the incident recounted that Onorakpoma was rushed to a community in Southern Ijaw LGA, where efforts were made to remove the bullet, but she succumbed to her injuries before reaching her destination.
The tragic event, which took place on Monday, has sparked calls for heightened security measures around the market, particularly near the slaughter area, to prevent further loss of life.
In the aftermath, nearly all the shops along the Slaughter Road axis of Swali Market were closed on Tuesday morning, allegedly following orders from security forces.
However, as the day progressed, many traders cautiously reopened their shops and resumed business.
Bayelsa State Police spokesman, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the incident and revealed that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the shooting. He assured that law enforcement had swiftly responded to the situation and brought calm to the Swali community.
