Five persons have been feared killed at the weekend in a renewed cult war in Yenagoa,the Bayelsà State capital.
The war, which broke out on Friday between notorious cult groups known as Bobos and Greenlanders, has led to recorded killings in Agudama, Obele and Back of St.Peters in the state capital.
Sources confirmed he killings have damaged the peace accord secured among the various cult groups by the Former leadership of the State Police Command. And threatening to damage the accord entered into between the Greenlanders and Icelanders.
A sources claimed the first killing recorded in Agudama community led to the butchering of a youth and his head severed. Another cult boy was also shot in the buttocks but was rescued by a neighbour and his present state of health is unknown.
However, our correspondent could not immediately confirm the reasons behind the renewed hostilities. But many confirmed that both the Bobos and Greenlanders are known rivals irrespective of any existing peace accord.
A check at the Imgbi road area, the Ovom and Obele dark spots showed the disappearance of youths involved in the cult related activities over the fear of police arrest or attack from rival groups.
Already, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale has ordered intensified operations against cultism and cult-related violence across the State
Ajao has ordered an intensified operations against cult-related activities, insisting there must be no sacred cow.
The CP directed Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable areas, identify emerging threats and act promptly on credible intelligence about planned clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment.
The Command is also strengthening engagement with community leaders to detect tensions early. Where an attack occurs, officers will move swiftly to secure the area, investigate those responsible and prevent retaliatory violence.
Cult groups contemplating an attack or reprisal should be under no illusion: the Command will pursue them and their sponsors and get them.
The public is reminded that the Bayelsa State Secret Cults/Societies and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2012, as amended in 2018, prohibits membership and sponsorship of secret cults and provides serious criminal penalties upon conviction.
There will be no sacred cows. Anyone reasonably suspected of organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related crimes will be investigated, regardless of status or influence. Where the evidence warrants it, suspects will be charged before the appropriate court in accordance with due process.
Parents and guardians are urged to caution their children and wards against cult involvement. Residents should immediately report planned attacks, recruitment or other cult activities to the nearest police station.
The Command warns everyone against reprisal attacks, harbouring suspects or spreading rumours that could provoke further violence. Report threats early; do not take the law into your own hands.
