Police Arrest Over 20 Suspected Cultists in Bayelsa State

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested more than 20 suspected cultists. This is part of their efforts to reduce cultism and violence linked to cult groups in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, shared this news on Thursday during a phone call with our reporter.

Mohammed mentioned that 20 suspected cultists have been taken into custody. He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, will release an official statement regarding the arrests and ongoing operations.

He said the state is peaceful at the moment. He also praised the communities and residents for their support in helping security agencies catch 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.

Crackdown on Cultism

The police operation, ordered by the Commissioner of Police, has targeted areas like Swali, Akenfa, Down Yenagoa, Agudama, and other places known for cult activities.

The police boss said that several suspected cultists, including some notorious ones, have been arrested. Security operatives are also tracking more suspects.

The Commissioner has instructed police teams across the state to increase patrols, improve intelligence gathering, and prevent cult clashes, initiations, and recruitment efforts.

The ongoing operation aims to break down cult networks and bring peace back to communities disturbed by cult activities.

Residents in Swali, Agudama, Akenfa, and other areas have reportedly started to distance themselves from cult groups. They are also openly opposing cultism and violence.

Community Tensions

However, there was tension in Onopa after residents protested against the alleged shooting and arrest of a young man during a police operation.

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

The police authorities denied claims that the victim had died. They stated he is alive and getting treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa.

This latest police crackdown comes after fresh cult clashes in Yenagoa over the weekend. At least five people were feared dead in the violence between rival cult groups.

Speaking about the situation, Adewale promised that the police command would keep up its fight 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 said.

He instructed police personnel to stay alert, increase surveillance, and collaborate with residents to prevent more clashes and attacks.

He also encouraged the public to share useful information with the police about suspected cultists. He assured them that such information would be kept confidential.