Bayelsa State Police Command has declared war on cult members and criminals in the state. The command in a statement on Friday by its spokesman, Asinim Butswat, noted with dismay 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 Bayelsa. Butswat, a Superintendent of Police, said the squad had since commenced aggressive crack-down 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.”

The police hard stance on cultists is coming just as The Nation yesterday did an exposé on how cultists, robbers and hoodlums have taken over Yenagoa metropolis in the state capital. The Nation had reported that residents of Punch Road, OMPADEC, Apex Road in Amarata as well as Ekeki, Obele, Swali and other suburbs of the state capital were no longer sleeping with their two eyes closed because of the nefarious activities of the criminals.

It also reported that 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 the cult groups was killed. Apart from the rampaging cultists who see the clashes between themselves as opportunity to rob residents of their valuables, especially mobile phones and cash, there are other sets of armed robbers who specialize in breaking into 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’, continue unabated.