A police officer in Yenagoa was inadvertently shot and killed by a fellow policeman during a gun duel between the police and suspected cultists, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

An eyewitness told NAN on Tuesday that the incident occurred on Christmas Day at Obele Area of Ovom in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

According to the eyewitness, trouble started when a misunderstanding among the feasting cultists degenerated into a fight, resulting to gunshots that eventually attracted a police patrol team to the area.

Police Command Spokesman, DSP Asinim Butswat, who confirm the incident, said the killing was shocking.

“Yes, the incident was between cultists. But as the police went to find out what was going on, the cultists started shooting and one of the policemen mistakenly shot an officer.

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The spokesman urged residents to support the police by providing timely and credible information on criminal activities.

“I also urge them to continue to enjoy the Christmas celebration and steer clear of every criminal activity,” he said.

An armed robbery suspect had earlier on December 22 killed his fellow robber during an operation around Azikoro village, Yenagoa. He eventually turned himself in at Azikoro Police Station.

(Source: NAN)