Odita Sunday 
Bayelsa Police Declare War On Cult Groups, Sponsors, Warn Against Reprisals
By Odita Sunday
The Bayelsa State Police Command has ordered intensified operations against cult groups and their sponsors across the state, warning that nobody involved in cult-related violence will be spared.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, gave the directive as part of measures to forestall killings, cult clashes and reprisal attacks capable of disrupting peace in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the CP directed Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to intensify patrols in vulnerable areas, identify emerging threats and act promptly on credible intelligence concerning planned cult clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.
Mohammed said the Command was also strengthening engagement with community leaders to enable the police detect tensions early and prevent them from escalating into violence.
According to him, the CP directed that whenever an attack occurs, police operatives must move swiftly to secure the affected area, investigate those responsible and prevent retaliatory attacks.
“The Command will pursue them and their sponsors and get them,” Mohammed quoted the CP as warning cult groups contemplating attacks or reprisals.
The PPRO said the Bayelsa State Secret Cults/Societies and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2012, as amended in 2018, prohibits membership and sponsorship of secret cults and provides serious criminal penalties upon conviction.
He said the CP had made it clear that there would be no sacred cows, adding that anyone suspected of organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related crimes would be investigated regardless of status or influence.
Mohammed said suspects would be charged before the appropriate court where available evidence established a case, in accordance with due process.
The Command also urged parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against involvement in cult activities, while residents were advised to promptly report planned attacks, recruitment activities and other suspicious cult-related activities to the nearest police station.
The police further warned against reprisal attacks, harbouring suspects and spreading rumours capable of triggering further violence.
The Command urged residents to report threats early rather than resort to self-help.
Members of the public can report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines: 07034578208 and 09167322691.
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