CP Ajao Orders Crackdown on Cult Groups, Vows to Prevent Killings and Reprisals
By Mercy Eruaga
The Bayelsa State Police Command has stepped up its offensive against cultism and cult-related violence, warning cult groups, their sponsors and other persons involved in criminal activities that they will face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, psc, mnips, has ordered Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders across the state to intensify operations against cult-related activities, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable to clashes and violent reprisals.
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 State.
CP 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.
The Bayelsa Police Command 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.
The Command said 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 in accordance with due process.
The police also drew 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 further warned residents against taking the law into their own hands following any cult-related attack.
It urged the public to avoid reprisal attacks, harbouring suspects and spreading unverified information capable of inflaming tensions or triggering further bloodshed.
Parents and guardians were 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 Bayelsa State Police Command on 07034578208 or 09167322691.
Your information could save a life. Speak up. Report cult activities. Stop reprisal violence.
0 Comments