At least five people are feared dead following a renewed clash between rival cult groups in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The violence, which reportedly started over the weekend, affected areas including Agudama, Obele and Back of St. Peters. The groups involved were identified as the Bobos and Greenlanders.
A source alleged that a youth was killed and beheaded during an attack in Agudama, while another victim was reportedly shot and later rescued by a neighbour.
The cause of the renewed violence remains unclear, but the clash has raised concerns over the peace agreement previously reached among some cult groups in the state.
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The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that suspects had been arrested and normalcy restored in the affected areas.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, has also ordered intensified operations against cultism, including increased patrols, intelligence gathering and action against those involved in cult-related violence.
The police warned cult groups and their sponsors against further attacks or reprisals, stressing that anyone involved in organising, funding or participating in cult-related crimes would face investigation and prosecution.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant, avoid spreading rumours or taking the law into their own hands, and promptly report suspicious activities or planned attacks to the police.
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