By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
Four persons have been killed in a wave of cult-related violence across parts of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, as the police arrested 23 suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition and other dangerous items.
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, disclosed this during a press briefing on the command’s operations against cult-related activities.
He said the attacks and reprisals involving rival cult groups had been recorded in Igbogene, Onopa, Ovom, Agudama, Amarata, Swali and Akenfa, resulting in fatalities and life-threatening injuries.
Adewale said the command responded with intelligence-driven operations, coordinated raids and visibility patrols across identified flashpoints and motor parks.
According to him, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit arrested suspects during operations conducted between September 23 and October 5, 2026.
Among those arrested were 24-year-old Tarimie James, from Ovom community, and 24-year-old Ezeikiel Joel, from Igbogene. The police said a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from James, while a pump-action gun, other weapons and a drum were recovered from Joel.
The commissioner also disclosed that five suspects were arrested on October 5 over alleged involvement in cult-related attacks and reprisals. A pistol, axes, cutlasses and knives were reportedly recovered.
On October 6, police operatives recovered a locally made revolver pistol and three live 9mm ammunition at Ugbogene after a suspect allegedly fled into a nearby swamp upon sighting officers. Efforts were ongoing to arrest him.
The command further reported the arrest of eight suspects in Akenfa, Igbogene and Swali communities between October 7 and 8.
The police alleged that several of the suspects confessed to membership of the Icelanders and Bobos confraternities. The allegations have not been established in court.
Other exhibits reportedly recovered included two cans of nitrous oxide, 17 bottles of a substance identified as codeine and dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
Adewale commended officers of the command, particularly the Doo Akpo Joint Task Force and other tactical teams, for their efforts in tackling the violence.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of transport unions, traditional rulers, community development committees and youth leaders, describing community intelligence-sharing as essential to effective policing.
The commissioner assured residents that the command would sustain its operations and pursue offenders within the law.
