Police arrest 20 suspected cultists in Bayelsa, intensify crackdown

Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested more than 20 suspected cultists in raids across several communities as the command intensifies its crackdown on warring cult groups in the state.

The operation, ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, has seen police personnel and tactical teams deployed to areas identified as cultism hotspots, including Swali, Akenfa, Down Yenagoa, Agudama and other parts of Yenagoa, the state capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Musa Mohammed, who confirmed the arrests to Daily Trust in a WhatsApp message, said several suspected cultists had been arrested across the state.

It was also gathered that the intensified police operation, coupled with warnings to community leaders and youths allegedly harbouring cult members, had prompted some communities to distance themselves from cult groups and their activities.

Police said several suspected cultists, including some allegedly notorious members, had been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to track down others.

Daily Trust recalls that there has been a resurgence of cult-related clashes in different parts of Yenagoa since Sunday, with more than five persons reportedly killed and others injured.

Police authorities have also dismissed reports that a young man shot at Onopa had died.

The police said the man, who was suspected to be a cultist, was shot at his point-of-sale (POS) stand in Onopa on Wednesday and was receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.

The development followed renewed cult violence in Yenagoa at the weekend, during which no fewer than five persons were feared killed.

The clash, which reportedly erupted on Friday between rival cult groups identified as Bobos and Greenlanders, resulted in killings in parts of Agudama, Obele and the Back of St Peters area of the state capital.

Sources said the renewed violence had disrupted a peace accord previously reached among some cult groups under the former leadership of the State Police Command.

Following the development, CP Adewale ordered an intensified crackdown on cultism and cult-related violence across the state, warning that there would be no sacred cows.

The commissioner directed Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable areas, identify emerging threats and act swiftly on credible intelligence concerning planned clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.

He also directed police formations to sustain operations aimed at dismantling cult networks and preventing further violence across the state.