May 11, (THEWILL) – Seventeen suspected cultists have been arrested in connection with the killing of two graduates of Niger Delta University, Amassoma, in a renewed outbreak of cult violence in Bayelsa State.
The suspects were apprehended on Friday night along the Tombia-Amassoma Road by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), led by CSP Bishop Elemide, during a routine stop-and-search operation.
Among those arrested are four suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys, alleged to have sponsored the killings.
A senior police source told The PUNCH that the arrests followed a police alert regarding the killings, which occurred in the Gbarantoru area off the Amassoma Road.
“Acting on a radio alert, our team mounted a checkpoint and stopped a Suzuki mini-bus carrying 13 young men. Some had visible blood stains on their clothes, and bloodied machetes were also recovered in the vehicle,” the source said.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects had gone to the crime scene in two vehicles. One of the mini-buses reportedly broke down during their escape, forcing them to continue in a single vehicle, which was intercepted.
The source added that the suspects are believed to be members of the Vikings confraternity, and that the killings were allegedly sponsored by four Yahoo Boys.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Musa Mohammed, said: “Yes, some arrests have been made by men of the RRS. The level of involvement of each suspect is currently under investigation.”
There are conflicting reports on the identities of the slain victims, with some claiming they were members of the Neo Black Movement, also known as Black Axe (Aye), while others allege they belonged to the Bobos cult group.
The development has sent shockwaves across campuses and schools in Yenagoa, with reports indicating that known members of the Vikings cult group have gone into hiding to avoid reprisal attacks.
Residents and fun seekers at bars and lounges in the state capital said they have observed unusual movements of suspected cultists hunting for rival gang members.
In the past week, parts of Yenagoa have echoed with sporadic gunfire, suspected to be from clashes between rival cult groups.
On Sunday morning, a violent confrontation between two cult gangs erupted at the Swali Ultra-Modern Market, a major commercial hub, leaving one person dead.
While some sources claimed the gunshots were from policemen chasing suspected cultists driving around in vehicles with covered number plates, others insisted it was a renewed shootout between rival groups.
A senior police officer assured that the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, is leading a coordinated effort to curb the violence.
“We are working round the clock to end these nefarious cult clashes and bring the perpetrators to justice. Several arrests have been made. The State Government has also warned politicians not to interfere with ongoing investigations. Those arrested will face the full wrath of the law,” the officer said.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
