Police raid cultists’ hideout in Bayelsa, arrest 2

The police in Bayelsa State have raided a cultists’ hideout at Swali community in Yenagoa and arrested two notorious gang leaders and recovered arms and ammunition, including four cartridges and five locally made pistols.

The Swali axis has been notorious for cult activities by young persons who last year imposed levies on traders at the Swali market.

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Police spokesman in Bayelsa State, SP Asinim Butswat, told journalists on Sunday, “On 10th November, 2022, at about 1630 hours, police operatives responded to a distress call of a rival cult clash at Swalli community, Yenagoa.

“On arrival, the police dislodged the cult members and arrested one Kingsley Okiloli ‘m’ 22 years and Endurance Akpeni ‘m’ 23 years. One locally made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from Kingsley Okiloli, while Endurance Akpeni sustained a gunshot injury from the rival cult gang.

“Upon interrogation of the suspects, police operatives went to their hideout at Swali community and recovered additional four locally made pistols and three live cartridges.

“Endurance Akpeni is responding to treatment in the police clinic, Yenagoa. Investigation is ongoing to arrest other fleeing cult members.”