Follow Us on Google
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Five suspected cultists have reportedly been killed in a renewed cult war that erupted over the weekend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The clash, according to investigations, was between two notorious cult groups, the Bobos and Greenlanders, with killings recorded in Agudama, Obele and behind St. Peters area of the state capital.
The development has reportedly shattered the peace accord earlier brokered between various cult groups by the Bayelsa State Police Command.
A source said the current round of violence was triggered by the killing of a suspected member of the Greenlanders.
According to the source, the victim was attacked with machetes and beheaded, sparking a reprisal attack in Agudama, where a young man was shot in the buttocks. The victim of the shooting reportedly survived the attack but was left in critical condition.
Three other deaths were reportedly recorded in Imgbi, Ovom and Obele, forcing several suspected cultists to flee their areas for fear of arrest by the police and possible reprisal.
The development has angered the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, who has ordered intensified operations against cultism and cult-related violence across the state.
Other News
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Muhammed, the CP directed police tactical teams to intensify operations against cult-related activities, warning that there would be no sacred cows.
He also ordered Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable areas, identify emerging threats and act promptly on credible intelligence concerning planned clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.
Muhammed said the Command was also strengthening engagement with community leaders to enable the police detect and address tensions before they escalate. He added that whenever an attack occurs, police operatives would move swiftly to secure the area, investigate those responsible and prevent retaliatory violence.
The statement read in part: “Cult groups contemplating an attack or reprisal should be under no illusion: the command will pursue them and their sponsors and get them.
“The public is reminded that the Bayelsa State Secret Cults/Societies and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2012, as amended in 2018, prohibits membership and sponsorship of secret cults and provides serious criminal penalties upon conviction.
“There will be no sacred cows. Anyone reasonably suspected of organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related crimes will be investigated, regardless of status or influence. Where the evidence warrants it, suspects will be charged before the appropriate court in accordance with due process.
“Parents and guardians are urged to caution their children and wards against cult involvement. Residents should immediately report planned attacks, recruitment or other cult activities to the nearest police station.
“The Command warns everyone against reprisal attacks, harbouring suspects, or spreading rumours that could provoke further violence. Report threats early; do not take the law into your own hands.”
