Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested ten suspected cultists in connection with a deadly attack in the Obele area of Ovom, Yenagoa, which claimed the life of a street-corner metal scavenger, popularly known as an "Iron Condemned" operator, and left three others injured. The Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel, disclosed the arrests on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, during a briefing at the command headquarters in Yenagoa, stating that the suspects were apprehended during a raid prompted by a distress call from residents of the Obele area. The residents had reported that armed cultists were on the rampage, shooting indiscriminately and robbing people of their mobile phones and other valuables.
According to police sources, the incident occurred on Sunday night, July 12, 2026, when the suspected cultists launched a nighttime raid on the Obele community, dispossessing several residents of their phones and valuables. However, they encountered stiff resistance from a group of metal scavengers, who refused to surrender their mobile phones. Eyewitnesses said the scavengers' defiance infuriated the attackers, who opened fire on them. "The boys were on a massive raid. Many residents were caught unawares, while others ran into their houses for safety. The 'Iron Condemned' boys resisted handing over their phones, and this infuriated the cult boys, who started shooting," a source recounted. One of the metal scavengers later died in hospital from a fatal gunshot wound, while three others survived with varying degrees of injuries and are receiving treatment.
CP Iyamah Daniel confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang still at large. He assured residents that all those responsible for the Obele attack would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The police commissioner reiterated the command's commitment to tackling cult-related violence and criminality across the state, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies. He emphasized that active community engagement and cooperation are critical for intelligence gathering and effective crime prevention.
The deadly attack and subsequent arrests come amid growing concerns over cult-related violence in Bayelsa State, which has seen a series of violent incidents in recent months. The police command has intensified its crackdown on cult groups, with CP Iyamah Daniel warning that criminal elements will not be allowed to operate freely in any part of the state. Residents of the Obele area, who had raised the alarm that led to the arrests, have expressed relief at the police response but called for sustained security measures to prevent future attacks. As the investigation continues, the Bayelsa State Police Command has assured the public that everyone found to have been involved in the attack will face the full weight of the law.
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