By Kunle SHONUGA
The Police Command in Balyelsa State on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to clampdown on cultists and cult related activities in the state, urging culprits to desist from the act.
Commissioner of Police Mr. Don Awunah, said this in Sagbama Local Government Area (LGA), at the commencement of his familiarisation tour of the command adding that there were more than 50 organised cult groups in Bayelsa State.
According to him, the issue of cultism has become a very serious all over the country but the police would not relent on its efforts to checkmate the act.
“After some analysis of crime profile, we discovered that cultism drives most of the violent crimes including rape, that is crime of passion; arm robbery, kidnapping among others.
“There are over 50 organised cult groups in this state, but we are on top of the job and that is why we have launched “safer Bayelsa State.
“I must believe that, we are winning the war but the war cannot be successful without the support of the traditional rulers and the youth, who are the vanguard of the society.
“The traditional ruler is the one that knows the land; they know people involving in crimes; yes, the police use arms to fight crime but arms does not necessarily curtail it,” he said.
Youth President in Sagbama, Mr. Ebidewei Amboro, condemned the act of cultism in the society and described it as a “huge threat” to the people not only in the area but Nigeria at large.
Amboro said his members were ready to support the police in its efforts to clampdown on cult activities in the area and urged those involve to stop the evil act.
