The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected cultists over a deadly attack in the Obele area of Ovom, Yenagoa, which claimed the life of a metal scavenger, popularly known as an “Iron Condemned” operator, and left three others injured.
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Iyamah Daniel, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Yenagoa.
Daniel said the suspects were arrested during a raid launched after residents alerted the police that armed cultists were operating in the area, shooting indiscriminately and robbing people of mobile phones and other valuables.
According to him, the suspects allegedly invaded the Obele community at night, dispossessing residents of their belongings before encountering resistance from a group of metal scavengers.
Sources told PUNCH Online that the scavengers refused to surrender their mobile phones, prompting the attackers to open fire on them.
One of the victims later died in hospital from gunshot wounds, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The police commissioner said investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang still at large.
Daniel said, “Ten suspected cultists have been arrested following a raid prompted by a distress call from residents alleging that armed cultists were on the rampage in the Obele area of Yenagoa.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with the police by providing credible information. Those responsible for this attack will be brought to justice.”
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers robbed residents of their phones and other valuables before turning their guns on the scavengers.
“The attackers were robbing residents of their phones and valuables. The ‘Iron Condemned’ boys resisted handing over their phones, and the gunmen opened fire on them,” the resident said.
Daniel assured residents that all those responsible for the attack would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
