Police commissioner in Bayelsa orders crackdown on cult groups

Police Command in Bayelsa State has ordered intensified operations against cultism and cult-related violence across the state as part of efforts to sustain peace and prevent killings and reprisal attacks.

This is contained in a statement signed by the command spokesperson, Musa Muhammad, a deputy superintendent of police, on Monday.

The Commissioner of Police, Adewale Ajao, directed divisional police officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable areas, identify emerging threats and act promptly on credible intelligence concerning planned clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.

The directive, according to the command, is part of renewed efforts to prevent killings, cult clashes and retaliatory attacks and to sustain peace across Bayelsa.

Mr Ajao directed police formations to increase patrols in flashpoint areas, strengthen intelligence gathering and act swiftly on credible information concerning planned cult clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.

The commissioner also ordered closer engagement with community leaders and other stakeholders to enable the police detect emerging tensions before they escalate into violence.

The command warned cult groups contemplating attacks or reprisals that the police would pursue not only those who carry out such acts but also individuals who finance, organise or facilitate them.

It also declared that there would be “no sacred cows” in the ongoing crackdown, stressing that the law would be applied without regard to an individual’s status, influence or connections.

According to him, anyone reasonably suspected of organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related crimes would be investigated, while suspects against whom sufficient evidence is established would be prosecuted before the appropriate court.

The police also drew the people’s attention to the Bayelsa State Secret Cults/Societies and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2012, as amended in 2018, which prohibits membership and sponsorship of secret cults and prescribes criminal penalties upon conviction.

The command warned residents against taking the law into their own hands following any cult-related attack.

READ ALSO: Police in Akwa Ibom probe alleged extortion of operatives by commanders

The police urged the public to avoid reprisal attacks, harbouring suspects and spreading unverified information capable of inflaming tensions.

“Parents and guardians are also advised to closely monitor their children and wards and warn them against being lured into cult groups.

The police called on residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide timely intelligence on planned attacks, recruitment drives, initiation ceremonies and other suspicious activities.

“The message from the Command is clear: report threats before they become bloodshed. Do not wait for violence to erupt before speaking up.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities or imminent threats to the nearest police station or contact the police command.”