Police launch intensified crackdown as Bobos–Greenlanders violence shatters peace accord in Bayelsa capital
YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE — At least five suspected cultists have reportedly been killed following a renewed cult war between rival groups in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The violence, which erupted over the weekend, reportedly involved two notorious cult groups identified as the Bobos and Greenlanders, with several communities and areas of the state capital affected.
Investigations indicate that killings were recorded in Agudama, Obele and the area behind St. Peters, while other deaths were reportedly recorded in Imgbi and Ovom.
The latest outbreak of violence has reportedly disrupted a peace accord earlier brokered between various cult groups by the Bayelsa State Police Command in an effort to reduce cult-related killings and clashes in the state.
According to a source familiar with the development, the latest violence was triggered by the alleged killing of a suspected member of the Greenlanders cult group.
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The victim was reportedly attacked with machetes and beheaded, an incident that allegedly sparked a reprisal attack in Agudama.
During the reprisal, a young man was reportedly shot in the buttocks. Although he survived the attack, sources said he was left in critical condition.
Three other deaths were subsequently reported in Imgbi, Ovom and Obele, further escalating tension across parts of Yenagoa.
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The renewed violence has reportedly forced several suspected cult members to flee their communities, amid fears of arrest by security operatives and possible further reprisal attacks.
The development has drawn the attention of the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, who has ordered intensified operations against cultism and cult-related violence across the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Muhammed, the Commissioner directed police tactical teams to step up operations targeting cult-related activities and warned that no individual or group would be protected from prosecution.
The Commissioner also ordered Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders across the state to increase patrols in vulnerable locations, identify emerging threats and respond promptly to credible intelligence regarding planned cult clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.
The police command said it was also strengthening engagement with community leaders to improve early detection of tensions and prevent disputes from escalating into violence.
According to the Command, whenever an attack occurs, police operatives will move swiftly to secure the affected area, commence investigations, identify those responsible and prevent retaliatory attacks.
The Police Public Relations Officer quoted the Commissioner as warning cult groups and their sponsors against further 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 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 cults and prescribes criminal penalties upon conviction.
The Commissioner maintained that there would be no preferential treatment in the enforcement of the law.
“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.”
The police said suspects would be prosecuted where investigations establish sufficient evidence, stressing that all cases would be handled in accordance with due process.
The Command further appealed to parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against joining cult groups, while urging residents to report planned attacks, recruitment activities and other suspicious cult-related activities to the nearest police station.
The police also warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, harbouring suspects or spreading unverified information capable of triggering further violence.
The renewed clashes have raised fresh concerns over the security situation in Yenagoa, with authorities expected to intensify surveillance and security operations in areas considered vulnerable to cult-related violence.
