Police arrest 20 suspected cultists in Bayelsa
by Hassan Muaz · The Eagle OnlineThe Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested 20 suspected cultists as it intensifies operations against cultism and related violence across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed this on Thursday during a telephone conversation with our correspondent.
Mohammed said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, would issue a formal statement on the arrests and the ongoing operations.
The police spokesperson said: “So far, 20 suspected cultists have been arrested.
“The CP will make a formal statement on that.”
He also said the security situation in the state had improved, while commending residents and communities for assisting security agencies.
Mohammed said: “Bayelsa State is peaceful now. We appreciate the efforts by various communities to ensure that these enemies of the state are apprehended.”
The ongoing crackdown, ordered by Adewale, has covered Swali, Akenfa, Down Yenagoa, Agudama and other communities identified as vulnerable to cult activities.
The command said several suspected cultists, including some notorious figures, had been arrested, while security operatives were tracking other suspects.
Adewale has directed divisional and tactical teams across the state to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent planned cult clashes, initiations and recruitment.
The police said the operation was aimed at dismantling cult networks and restoring peace in communities affected by cult-related activities.
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.
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Tension was, however, 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.
Police authorities, however, dismissed reports that the young man had died, saying he was alive and receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
The latest operation followed renewed cult clashes in Yenagoa at the weekend, during which at least five people were feared killed in violence involving rival cult groups.
Speaking on the crackdown, Adewale vowed that the police would maintain their offensive against cultism and related violence.
The commissioner said: “There will be no sacred cows. We will sustain our operations against cultism and cult-related violence across Bayelsa State.”
Adewale also directed police personnel to remain proactive, intensify surveillance and work with residents to prevent further clashes and attacks.
He urged members of the public to provide useful information on the activities and whereabouts of suspected cultists, assuring them that such information would be treated confidentially.Moronfolu Adeyemi
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested 20 suspected cultists as it intensifies operations against cultism and related violence across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed this on Thursday during a telephone conversation with our correspondent.
Mohammed said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, would issue a formal statement on the arrests and the ongoing operations.
The police spokesperson said: “So far, 20 suspected cultists have been arrested.
“The CP will make a formal statement on that.”
He also said the security situation in the state had improved, while commending residents and communities for assisting security agencies.
Mohammed said: “Bayelsa State is peaceful now. We appreciate the efforts by various communities to ensure that these enemies of the state are apprehended.”
The ongoing crackdown, ordered by Adewale, has covered Swali, Akenfa, Down Yenagoa, Agudama and other communities identified as vulnerable to cult activities.
The command said several suspected cultists, including some notorious figures, had been arrested, while security operatives were tracking other suspects.
Adewale has directed divisional and tactical teams across the state to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent planned cult clashes, initiations and recruitment.
The police said the operation was aimed at dismantling cult networks and restoring peace in communities affected by cult-related activities.
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.
Tension was, however, 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.
Police authorities, however, dismissed reports that the young man had died, saying he was alive and receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
The latest operation followed renewed cult clashes in Yenagoa at the weekend, during which at least five people were feared killed in violence involving rival cult groups.
Speaking on the crackdown, Adewale vowed that the police would maintain their offensive against cultism and related violence.
The commissioner said: “There will be no sacred cows. We will sustain our operations against cultism and cult-related violence across Bayelsa State.”
Adewale also directed police personnel to remain proactive, intensify surveillance and work with residents to prevent further clashes and attacks.
He urged members of the public to provide useful information on the activities and whereabouts of suspected cultists, assuring them that such information would be treated confidentially.
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