Three persons were reportedly killed following a renewed clash between suspected rival cult groups in the Igbogene area of Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
Residents said the violence erupted late in the evening, with multiple gunshots sending panic across the neighbourhood and forcing many people indoors.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the deceased had yet to be officially confirmed.
However, sources within the community linked the attack to lingering cult rivalries that have continued to spark unrest in parts of the state.
Eyewitnesses said business activities were abruptly disrupted as traders shut their shops and residents fled to safer locations to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
A resident, who requested anonymity over security concerns, appealed to law enforcement agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence gathering in the area to prevent further loss of lives.
The incident is the latest in a string of cult-related killings recorded in the state in recent weeks.
Community sources claimed that at least six persons had been killed in separate attacks prior to the latest clash, deepening fears among residents.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Musa Muhammed, said three persons lost their lives in the incident.
He added that investigations were ongoing and that security operatives had launched a manhunt for those responsible.
