Police authorities in Bayelsa State have launched a crackdown on cult activities following renewed clashes between rival cult groups that have reportedly left five people feared dead in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Key Highlights
- Five people are feared dead in renewed cult clashes in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
- Rival Bobos and Greenlanders cult groups are reportedly involved in the violence.
- The clashes occurred in Agudama, Obele and Back of St. Peters areas of Yenagoa.
- Bayelsa Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale has ordered intensified operations against cultism.
- Police have warned cult members, sponsors and financiers that there will be “no sacred cows.”
The inter-cult clashes, which reportedly resumed last Friday, have raised fresh concerns over cult-related violence in Bayelsa and jeopardised a peace accord previously brokered among rival cult groups by the state police command.
Sources said the first reported killing occurred in Agudama, where a youth was allegedly attacked and beheaded.
Another suspected cult member was reportedly shot in the buttocks but was rescued by a neighbour and taken to safety in critical condition.
Residents said the Bobos and Greenlanders have remained rivals despite previous efforts to broker peace and end cult-related violence in the area.
Police Intensify Operations Against Cultism
Checks around Imgbi Road, Ovom and Obele, identified as hotspots for cult activities, showed a noticeable absence of youths suspected to be involved in cult groups.
Some of the youths were also reportedly said to have gone into hiding amid fears of arrest by the police or attacks from rival cult members.
In a bid to prevent further escalation, the state Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has ordered intensified operations against cultism and cult-related violence across Bayelsa State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the police said Adewale directed divisional police officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable areas.
He also ordered the officers to identify emerging threats and act promptly on credible intelligence concerning planned cult clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.
Police Target Cult Groups, Sponsors
The command said it was strengthening engagement with community leaders to identify tensions early and prevent violence before it escalates.
According to the police, whenever an attack occurs, officers will secure the area, investigate those responsible and take steps to prevent retaliatory attacks.
The Commissioner of Police warned cult groups against attacks and reprisals, saying the police would pursue both members and their sponsors.
“There will be no sacred cows,” Adewale declared.
He warned that anyone involved in organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related crimes would be dealt with according to the law.
The command said suspected offenders would be investigated regardless of their status or influence and prosecuted where evidence warrants.
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Bayelsa Police Warn Against Reprisal Attacks
The police also reminded residents that the Bayelsa State Secret Cults/Societies and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2012, as amended in 2018, prohibits membership and sponsorship of secret cults.
The command urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against joining cult groups.
Residents were also advised to report planned attacks, recruitment activities and other cult-related activities to the nearest police station.
The police warned residents against reprisal attacks, harbouring suspects and spreading rumours capable of escalating tensions in the state.
The command further urged residents to report threats promptly and avoid taking the law into their own hands as security agencies intensify efforts to restore peace across affected communities.
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