The Bayelsa State Police Command has issued a strong appeal to traditional rulers, community elders, and youth executives across the state, urging them to forge a closer partnership with law enforcement to eradicate cult-related violence and criminal unrest. Addressing local leaders during a recent stakeholder engagement, the Commissioner of Police emphasized that curbing violent crimes at the grassroots level requires an unbroken chain of communication and mutual trust between communities and security personnel.
Cult violence has remained a recurrent security concern across several towns and riverine settlements in the Niger Delta region. Skirmishes between rival gangs frequently lead to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread panic among law-abiding residents. The Commissioner observed that while law enforcement agencies are actively deploying operational strategies to suppress these outbreaks, tactical police presence alone cannot permanently dismantle networks deeply embedded in community social fabrics without local cooperation.
Highlighting the critical responsibility borne by traditional institutions, the police chief noted that royal fathers and village chiefs hold immense moral authority and possess vital knowledge of their respective domains. The CP cautioned against any attempts by community figures to shield offenders, harbor suspects, or settle violent criminal cases through informal traditional channels. Instead, royal fathers were urged to use their influence to discourage unlawful affiliations, promote peace, and ensure that anyone engaged in cultism or violent crimes is handed over to the appropriate authorities for legal prosecution.
Equally vital to this campaign are youth organizations and community youth presidents. The Commissioner pointed out that young people constitute both the primary targets of cult recruitment and the major casualties of gang confrontations. Youth leaders were therefore challenged to serve as ambassadors of peace, organizing mentorship programs, town hall discussions, and positive recreational activities to keep vulnerable youths away from bad company. The command urged youth bodies to reject cult culture and avoid allowing their groups to be hijacked by unscrupulous individuals seeking foot soldiers for illicit agendas.
Reiterating the police command’s readiness to protect lives and maintain order, the CP stated that intelligence-led policing is being prioritized across all local government areas in Bayelsa. The command promised to protect the identities of whistleblowers and informants, offering assurances that any intelligence shared with the police would be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality. The public was advised not to succumb to intimidation, but rather to report suspicious gatherings and early signs of gang mobilisation before they erupt into full-blown crises.
In conclusion, the Bayelsa State Police Command maintained that establishing a secure environment is essential for the economic prosperity, educational development, and social cohesion of the state. The Commissioner urged all well-meaning citizens to embrace the philosophy of community policing, stressing that safeguarding communities is a collective responsibility that requires continuous vigilance, shared intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.