Police arrest over 20 suspected cultists in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested more than 20 suspected cultists as part of intensified operations aimed at curbing cultism and cult-related violence across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed this on Thursday, during a telephone conversation with our correspondent.

Mohammed said 20 suspected cultists had so far been arrested, adding that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, would issue a formal statement on the arrests and the ongoing operations.

He said the state was currently peaceful, while commending residents and communities for their cooperation with security agencies in efforts to apprehend suspected cultists.

“So far, 20 suspected cultists have been arrested. The CP will make a formal statement on that,” Mohammed said.

“Bayelsa State is peaceful now. We appreciate the efforts by various communities to ensure that these enemies of the state are apprehended,” he stated.

The crackdown, ordered by the Commissioner of Police, has covered Swali, Akenfa, Down Yenagoa, Agudama and other communities identified as vulnerable to cult activities.

Police boss said several suspected cultists, including some notorious figures, had been arrested, while security operatives were also tracking other suspects.

The Commissioner has directed divisional and tactical teams across the state to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent planned cult clashes, initiations and recruitment.

The command said the ongoing operation was aimed at dismantling cult networks and restoring peace to communities affected by cult-related activities.

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Residents of Swali, Agudama, Akenfa and other communities have also reportedly begun distancing themselves from cult groups and openly expressing opposition to cultism and violence.

However, tension was reported in Onopa following a protest by residents over the alleged shooting and arrest of a young man during a police operation.

The protesters accused some police officers of indiscriminate arrests during the raid.

The police authorities, however, dismissed reports that the victim had died, saying he was alive and receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

The latest police crackdown followed renewed cult clashes in Yenagoa at the weekend, during which at least five persons were feared killed in violence involving rival cult groups.

Speaking on the development, Adewale vowed that the command would sustain its offensive against cultism and related violence.

“There will be no sacred cows. We will sustain our operations against cultism and cult-related violence across Bayelsa State.”

Adewale directed police personnel to remain proactive, intensify surveillance and work with residents to prevent further clashes and attacks.

He also urged members of the public to provide useful information to the police on the activities and whereabouts of suspected cultists, assuring that such information would be treated with confidentiality.