Bayelsa Cult Clash: Five Feared Dead as Police Arrest Suspects

A renewed clash between rival cult groups in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has reportedly left at least five people feared dead, with the latest violence occurring in parts of the state capital.

The violence, which reportedly started over the weekend, was said to have affected parts of Agudama, Obele and the Back of St. Peters areas of the city.

The groups allegedly involved in the confrontation are the Bobos and Greenlanders, who have reportedly maintained a longstanding rivalry despite previous efforts to promote peace among cult groups in the state.

The latest violence has raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of an earlier peace agreement reached among some cult groups in Bayelsa.

According to sources familiar with the incidents, one youth was allegedly killed and beheaded during an attack in Agudama. Another person was reportedly shot in the buttocks and later rescued by a neighbour.

The condition of the injured victim was not immediately known.

The precise trigger for the latest confrontation remained unclear as of Tuesday, although sources attributed the violence to the continuing rivalry between the groups.

There were also reports of reduced movement by youths allegedly linked to cult activities in areas including Imgbi Road, Ovom and Obele. Residents were said to be concerned about possible further attacks as well as police operations targeting suspected cult members.

Police Confirm Arrests

The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that suspects had been arrested in connection with the unrest.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said on Tuesday that normalcy had returned to the affected areas.

“Suspects have been arrested, and law and order has since been restored,” Mohammed said.

Following the development, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, ordered intensified operations against cultism and related violence across the state.

He directed Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to step up patrols in areas considered vulnerable and to respond quickly to credible intelligence concerning planned clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.

The command also said it would deepen cooperation with community leaders to identify tensions before they develop into violent confrontations.

According to the police, officers would secure locations affected by attacks, investigate the incidents and work to prevent retaliatory violence.

The Commissioner warned cult groups, sponsors and individuals planning attacks or revenge operations that the police would pursue those responsible and ensure they face justice.

He stressed that no individual would be protected because of their social status or influence, adding that anyone suspected of organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related offences would be investigated.

The police said suspects would be prosecuted before the appropriate courts where sufficient evidence was established, in line with due process.

Police Warn Against Reprisal Attacks

The command 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 cult groups and provides criminal penalties for offenders upon conviction.

Parents and guardians were urged to discourage their children and wards from becoming involved in cult activities.

Residents were equally advised to report information about planned attacks, recruitment exercises and other cult-related activities to the nearest police station.

The police warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, harbouring suspects or spreading unverified information that could worsen tensions.

The command urged members of the public to report threats early and cooperate with security agencies to prevent further violence in Yenagoa and other parts of Bayelsa State.