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CP reads riot act, orders clampdown on leaders
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Five suspected cultists have been feared killed in a renewed, raging cult war that started over the weekend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
According to investigations, the war, which broke out between notorious cult groups known as Bobos and Greenlanders, has led to recorded killings in Agudama, Obele and Back of St Peters in the state capital.
Findings indicated that the renewed war has shattered the peace accord secured between the various cult groups by the Bayelsa State Police Command.
A source stated the killing of a suspected member of Greenlanders was the trigger of the current gang war. He said the victim was killed with machetes and had his head severed. A reprisal in Agudama led to the shooting of a boy in the buttocks. He did not die; he is, however, in critical condition.
Three deaths were said to have been recorded at Imgbi, Ovom and Obele, forcing several suspected cultists to flee for fear of police arrest and reprisal attacks.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, is said to be irked about the development and has ordered intensified operations against cultism and cult-related violence across the state.
A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Muhammaed, stated that CP Ajao has directed the police tactical teams to intensify operations against cult-related activities, insisting there must be no sacred cow.
He also disclosed that the CP has ordered Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable areas, identify emerging threats and act promptly on credible intelligence about planned clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment.
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Furthermore, Muhammed said, the Command is strengthening engagement with community leaders to detect tensions early, adding that where an attack occurs, officers will 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.”
