Police Nabs 17 Suspected Cultists Over Killing of Two Niger Delta University Graduates
Yenagoa (Core Reporters) Bayelsa State command of the Nigerian Police on Friday, May 9, 2025 arrested Seventeen (17) suspected cultists in connection with the killing of two graduates of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, in what authorities described as a renewed wave of cult violence. They were arrested along the Tombia-Amassoma Road.
Among those apprehended were four suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys, who are alleged to have sponsored the killings.
A police source told Core Reporters that the arrests were made by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) led by CSP Bishop Elemide. The suspects were intercepted at a stop-and-search checkpoint mounted by the RRS.
According to reports, the RRS had received a police radio alert about the killings, which occurred in the Gbarantoru area off Amassoma Road. Acting swiftly, the squad reportedly set up a roadblock and succeeded in intercepting a Suzuki minibus carrying the suspects.
“We saw over 13 boys cramped inside with blood stains on a few of them, and machetes stained with blood. The police immediately suspected they were the ones who carried out the killing,” the officer said.
“Upon questioning, the police discovered that they went to the scene of the crime in two mini buses. One developed fault while they were escaping, and they decided to abandon it and use a minibus.”
Another police source revealed that the suspects are believed to be members of the notorious Vikings cult group and that four suspected Yahoo Boys allegedly sponsored the killings of the two university graduates.
When contacted for confirmation, the spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Musa Mohammed, acknowledged that arrests had been made by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of each suspect.
“Yes, some major arrests have been made and the command is investigating,” he said.
A report has surfaced suggesting that the two murdered graduates were members of the Neo Black Movement, commonly known as Black Axe (Aye). However, other sources claim they belonged to the Bobos cult group.
In the wake of the killings, members of the Vikings cult group across Bayelsa State, particularly in the state university and other secondary and tertiary institutions, are reported to have gone into hiding, fearing possible reprisals.
Residents and fun seekers in various bars and lounges in Yenagoa, the state capital, have reported noticing unusual movements. Some said groups of menacing-looking youths appeared to be hunting for rival cult members, heightening fears of further violence
Over the past week, several parts of Yenagoa have experienced sporadic gunfire, believed to be the result of clashes between rival cult groups.
On Sunday morning, the popular Swali Ultra-Modern Market, a major commercial hub, was thrown into chaos following a violent confrontation between two rival cult gangs. The gun duel reportedly led to the death of one person.
While some police sources attributed the gunfire to operatives pursuing suspected cultists travelling in a vehicle with covered license plates, others insisted it was another clash between rival groups.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, assured that the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and his team are working tirelessly to curb the escalating violence and restore calm across the state.
“We are working seriously to end these nefarious cult clashes and bring those involved to justice. We have made many arrests, and the state government has also supported and warned politicians to avoid influencing the police investigation. Those arrested will face the law,” the police officer said.
Source: Sahara Reporters
