Residents of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, are living in fear as cult-related violence continues to escalate. Suspected cultists have killed at least six people and injured two others in separate attacks across Igbomoturu, Swali, Azikoro, Amarata, and other areas.
Witnesses described the attackers as members of a vengeful cult group targeting rivals without restraint.
Two NDU Graduates Murdered in Gbarantoru
On Thursday night, suspected cultists killed two graduates of Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, in Gbarantoru community. One of the victims, Ayaokpo Sinclair, hailed from Tombia. The second victim’s identity remains unknown.
Local sources revealed that the young men were waiting for their NYSC call-up letters. They had stepped out around 11 p.m. to buy items when a group of armed men spotted and attacked them.
Commander of the Bayelsa Vigilante Group, Mr. Tolummbofa Jonathan, said the attackers arrived in a vehicle and shouted “See them!” before opening fire. One victim tried to escape by jumping into a creek but later died from his wounds. The other died on the spot.
A relative of one victim, who drove them to the area, tried to rescue him after he swam ashore. However, the gunmen returned, beat him unconscious, and left him behind. Security agents took the victims to a health centre, but doctors later confirmed both dead.
Multiple Attacks in Swali, Azikoro, and Amarata
Gunmen shot another man dead on Saturday in Swali. On Thursday night, a stray bullet hit a woman in Azikoro village. She later died from her injuries. The same night, two more people died after gunmen invaded the Obele area of Swali community.
In Amarata, heavily armed men stormed the Ompadec area around 7 p.m. They arrived in a Hilux and SUV, shooting sporadically. Shop owners shut their stores and fled as bullets flew through the air. A woman rushing to close her shop was shot in the leg. Another man also suffered gunshot wounds. Both are receiving treatment in a hospital.
Mr. Jonathan confirmed the police have arrested the vehicle’s driver. The police are still tracking the fleeing suspects. Bayelsa police spokesman, Mr. Musa Mohammed, said the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case.
Residents blame the government and police for failing to stop the violence. Many now stay indoors by 7 p.m., fearing for their safety. Community leaders, including the Paramount Ruler of Swali, accused the police of poor enforcement. He added that cultists arrested often return to continue harassing locals.
Over the past month, cult clashes have reportedly claimed more than 15 lives in Yenagoa. Locals are pleading with the government to take urgent and effective action.
