Operatives of the police in Bayelsa State have detained 10 suspected cult members over the deadly attack on the Obele end of the Ovom village in Yenagoa last Sunday. Law Enforcement
Daily Trust reported that the incident also led to the death of a metal scavenger colloquially known as a “Iron Condemned” youngster with three others injured.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Mr Iyamah Daniel, disclosed today that the suspects were arrested during a raid carried out following a report by residents of the Obele area that armed cultists were on the rampage, shooting indiscriminately and dispossessing people of their phones and other valuables.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly invaded the village at night and dispossessed the residents of their things before they faced opposition from a group of metal scavengers widely known as Iron Condemned.
One report said the scavengers refused to give over their cell phones and that the attackers opened fire on them. Wildlife
“The boys were out on a big raid,” stated the insider. Many residents were taken by surprise while others ran inside their homes.
The “Iron Condemned” guys refused to give up their phones, which angered the cult boys and they began shooting.
The three others survived with varied degrees of injury and are receiving care, while one of the victims died later in hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound.
CP Iyamah re-echoed the command’s resolve towards addressing cult-related violence and other criminal activities across the state.
He asked locals to stay alert and continue to pass timely information to security officials, adding that community collaboration remained critical to efficient police.
He further gave an assurance to the public that those found to have participated in the Obele attack will be prosecuted according to law.
About the Author
