…arrest 32 cultists, to charge them soon
ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Police in Bayelsa State have declared war on cultists and other violent criminals in the state.
A statement on Friday by the command’s spokesman, Asinim Butswat, said the police were dismayed by the resurgence of cult related activities and clashes in the state, most especially in Yenagoa and its environs.
Butswat said as a proactive measure to forestall future cult clashes and violent crimes and to ensure law and order is maintained, the command had set up a special squad to confront cultists and violent criminals in the state.
He said the squad had since commenced an aggressive crackdown on cultists and violent criminals.
He said so far, 32 cultists had been arrested and upon conclusion of investigation, the suspects would be charged under the Bayelsa State Anti-Cultism law.
Butswat said: “Consequently, all cult leaders, patrons and members, including minors, who have been influenced into joining the various cult groups are hereby warned to desist forthwith from any gathering, initiations and campaigns as well as any activity to promote the interest of their groups irrespective of it being violent or non-violent.
“The state police command is not unaware of the open and hidden involvement of prominent individuals supporting the activities of the cult groups.
“The command wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that henceforth their perceived positions of elevation will not protect them if found violating the law.
“The public is hereby advised to take particular note of sections 1,2,3,4 and 6 of the Bayelsa State Secret Cults/Societies and similar activities (Prohibition) Law, 2012, which provides for the prohibition of cults and sundry offences with punishment ranging from five to 10 years imprisonment without the option of fine. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”
In recent times, residents of Punch Road, OMPADEC, Apex Road in Amarata as well as Ekeki, Obele, Swali and other suburbs of the state capital are no longer sleeping with their two eyes closed because of the nefarious activities of cultists and other criminals.
The development, which appears to have worsened in recent times, was not unconnected with the ongoing cults war which escalated last week after a leader of one of the cult groups was killed.
Apart from the rampaging cultists who see the clashes between themselves as an opportunity to rob residents of their valuables, especially phones and money, there are other sets of armed robbers who specialise in breaking into people’s cars to remove brainboxes at night.
Over five persons have been feared killed in the last one week as the war between the cult groups, who some persons identified as ‘Bobos’ and ‘Aiyes’, continues unabated.