Seventeen suspects have been arrested by the Bayelsa State Police Command in connection with the brutal killing of two recent graduates from Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma. The arrests come amidst a resurgence of cult-related violence in the state.
The suspects were caught on Friday night during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Tombia-Amassoma Road. The operation was led by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), headed by CSP Bishop Elemide.
Among the arrested individuals are four suspected internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Boys,” who are believed to have sponsored the killings.
A senior police source revealed that the arrests were made after the police received a distress alert linked to the murders in the Gbarantoru area.
“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.
Investigations suggest that the suspects travelled to the scene of the crime in two vehicles. One of the mini-buses reportedly broke down during their escape, forcing the group to flee in a single vehicle, which was eventually intercepted by officers.
The suspects are believed to be members of the Vikings confraternity. Reports also indicate that the attack may have been backed by four Yahoo Boys who allegedly financed the operation.
The Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrests and 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 accounts regarding the identities of the victims. While some reports claim they were members of the Neo Black Movement (Black Axe), others say they belonged to the Bobos cult group.
The incident has sparked panic across schools and campuses in Yenagoa, with some members of rival cult groups reportedly going into hiding to avoid retaliation.
Residents have also reported suspicious activity and movements around bars and lounges in the city, suggesting ongoing gang hunts and tensions.
Last week, several parts of Yenagoa were rocked by gunfire, believed to be the result of clashes between cult factions. On Sunday morning, another violent confrontation between rival gangs erupted at Swali Ultra-Modern Market, leaving one person dead.
While some say the gunfire came from police officers pursuing cultists in vehicles with hidden number plates, others believe it was another shootout between rival groups.
A senior police official assured that efforts are underway to restore peace:
“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.”
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