Cult clash claims five in Bayelsa as CP vows crackdown

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
Five people are feared dead following renewed clashes between rival cult groups in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, prompting the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, to order a crackdown on cultism and cult-related violence.
The clashes, which reportedly resumed on Friday, allegedly involved members of the Bobos and Greenlanders cult groups in Agudama, Obele and the Back of St Peter’s areas of Yenagoa.
The renewed violence is said to have breached a peace accord previously brokered among cult groups by the former leadership of the Bayelsa State Police Command.
Residents said the clashes could also undermine an existing understanding between members of the Greenlanders and Icelanders groups.
A source 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 and rescued by a neighbour. He was said to be in critical condition.
Residents said the Bobos and Greenlanders had remained rivals despite previous efforts to broker peace among cult groups in the state.
Checks around Imgbi Road, Ovom and Obele, identified as hotspots for cult activities, showed a noticeable absence of youths suspected of involvement in cultism.
Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, observed that some of the youths had reportedly gone into hiding amid fears of arrest by the police or attacks by rival groups.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has ordered intensified operations against cultism and cult-related violence across the state.
Adewale on Tuesday, directed Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable areas.
He also ordered them to identify emerging threats and act promptly on credible intelligence concerning planned clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment.
The command said it was strengthening engagement with community leaders to identify tensions early and prevent violence.
It added that whenever an attack occurred, officers would secure the area, investigate those responsible and prevent retaliatory attacks.
The CP warned cult groups against attacks and reprisals, saying the police would pursue members and their sponsors.
“There will be no sacred cows,” Adewale said.
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 offenders would be investigated irrespective of their status or influence and prosecuted where evidence warranted.
It also reminded residents that the Bayelsa State Secret Cults/Societies and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2012, as amended in 2018, prohibits membership of and sponsorship of secret cults.
The police urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against involvement in cult activities.
Residents were also advised to report planned attacks, recruitment activities and other cult-related activities to the nearest police station.
The command warned against reprisal attacks, harbouring suspects and spreading rumours capable of escalating the situation.
It urged residents to report threats promptly and avoid taking the law into their own hands.