Bayelsa Police Move Against Cultism, Arrest Over 20 Suspects

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested more than 20 suspected cultists following a renewed crackdown on cult-related activities and violence across communities in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The arrests followed a directive by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, for tactical teams and other police personnel to intensify operations in areas identified as cultism hotspots.

The affected areas include Swali, Akenfa, Down Yenagoa, Agudama and other parts of the state capital.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, who confirmed the development, said several suspected cult members had been apprehended during the ongoing operations.

According to him, the police had also stepped up efforts to track down other suspected members of cult groups believed to be involved in recent violent activities across the state.

The intensified operations, coupled with warnings to community leaders and youths against harbouring suspected cultists, have reportedly prompted some communities to distance themselves from cult groups and their activities.

The latest crackdown followed a resurgence of cult-related clashes in parts of Yenagoa between Sunday and Wednesday, with more than five people reportedly killed and several others injured.

The police also dismissed reports that a young man shot at Onopa had died, saying he was still alive and receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

The man, who police said was suspected to be involved in cult activities, was reportedly shot at his Point of Sale (POS) stand in Onopa on Wednesday.

The incident came amid renewed violence involving rival cult groups identified as the Bobos and Greenlanders, with clashes reportedly recorded in Agudama, Obele and the Back of St. Peters areas of Yenagoa.

Sources said the latest violence may have disrupted a peace accord previously reached among some cult groups under the former leadership of the state police command.

Reacting to the development, CP Adewale ordered an intensified crackdown on cultism and related violence across Bayelsa, warning that the police would not spare anyone found culpable.

He directed Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable areas and identify emerging threats to public safety.

The commissioner also ordered the commanders to act swiftly on credible intelligence concerning planned clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.

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