Five persons are feared killed following renewed clashes between rival cult groups in Yenagoa as Police Commissioner orders a crackdown.
The inter-cult clash, which re-started on Friday, allegedly involved members of the Bobos and Greenlanders cult groups.
The clashes were recorded in Agudama, Obele and Back of St. Peters areas of Yenagoa.
The renewed clash is a breach of a peace accord brokered among cult groups by former leadership of the Police Command in Bayelsa.
Residents said the development could also undermine an existing understanding between members of the Greenlanders and Icelanders groups.
One source said the first reported killing occurred in Agudama, where a youth was allegedly attacked and beheaded.
Another cult member was reportedly shot in the buttocks but was rescued by a neighbour, leaving him in critical condition.
However, residents said the Bobos and Greenlanders had remained rivals despite previous efforts to broker peace among cult groups.
Checks around Imgbi Road, Ovom and Obele, identified as cult activity hotspots, showed a noticeable absence of youths suspected to be involved in cult activities.
Our Correspondent who monitored the situation observed that some of the youths had reportedly gone into hiding amid fears of police arrest or attacks by rival groups.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has ordered intensified operations against cultism and cult-related violence across Bayelsa.
A statement on Tuesday by the Police said the CP directed Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable areas.
He also ordered them to identify emerging threats and act promptly on credible intelligence about planned clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment.
The Command said it was strengthening engagement with community leaders to identify tensions early and prevent violence.
It added that whenever an attack occurs, officers would secure the area, investigate those responsible and prevent retaliatory attacks.
The CP warned cult groups against attacks and reprisals, saying the police would pursue members and their sponsors.
“There will be no sacred cows,” the CP said.
He warned that anyone involved in organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related crimes shall be dealth with according to the law.
The Command said offenders would be investigated irrespective of their status or influence and prosecuted where evidence warranted.
It 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.
The police urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against cult involvement.
Residents were also advised to report planned attacks, recruitment activities and other cult-related activities to the nearest police station.
The Command warned against reprisal attacks, harbouring suspects and spreading rumours capable of escalating the situation.
It urged residents to report threats promptly and avoid taking the law into their own hands.