5 killed in suspected cult clash, police hunt gang leaders

Five persons were reportedly killed over the weekend in a renewed cult clash in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, as rival groups allegedly fought for supremacy.
The clash, which reportedly broke out on Friday between the Bobos and Greenlanders cult groups, led to killings in different parts of the town, including Agudama-Epie, Obele and the area behind St Peter’s.
Residents told Daily Trust that the resurgence of violence had threatened an earlier peace accord between the Greenlanders and Icelanders.

A source said the first killing in Agudama involved the alleged beheading of a youth. Another cult member was reportedly shot in the buttocks but was rescued by a neighbour. His condition could not be ascertained.

The reason for the renewed clash could not be immediately established, but residents said the Bobos and Greenlanders were known rivals despite existing peace efforts.

A check at Imgbi Road, Ovom and Obele, identified as cult-related flashpoints, showed that many youths involved in cult activities had disappeared from the areas, apparently out of fear of police arrest or attacks by rival groups.

The state police spokesperson confirmed the killing of one youth at Agudama-Epie on Sunday and said several suspects had been arrested in connection with the clash.

However, he said he was not aware of the other reported killings as of the time of filing the report.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, has ordered intensified operations against cultism and cult-related violence across the state.

A statement by the police spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the CP directed 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.

The command also said it was strengthening engagement with community leaders to detect tensions early.

According to the statement, where an attack occurs, officers would move swiftly to secure the area, investigate those responsible and prevent retaliatory violence.

He quoted the CP as saying: “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.”