The Bayelsa State Police Command has called on traditional rulers, youth leaders and Community Development Committees (CDCs) to work more closely with security agencies to curb cult-related violence and prevent further deaths across the state.
Commissioner of Police Ajao Saka Adewale made the appeal during a meeting with community leaders and CDC representatives in Yenagoa on Friday, following a recent wave of cult-related attacks that has claimed lives in some communities.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Muhammed, the meeting was convened to strengthen cooperation between the police and local stakeholders while addressing emerging security threats.
Traditional Rulers Urged to Help Identify Security Threats
Adewale described traditional rulers as key sources of information within their communities, urging them to work alongside youth leaders and CDC representatives to identify potential threats before they escalate.
He called for timely information-sharing with the police, particularly where there are signs of planned attacks, rising tensions or possible retaliatory violence.
“Traditional rulers are the eyes of their communities. We need your cooperation, alongside youth leaders and CDC representatives, to identify potential threats and provide timely information that will help us prevent criminal activities,” the commissioner said.
He stressed that community involvement was essential to protecting residents and restoring calm in areas affected by violence.
Police Commissioner Warns Against Reprisals
The police chief said a coordinated response involving community leaders and residents was necessary to confront cultism and other criminal activities.
He urged stakeholders to discourage revenge attacks and reject actions that could trigger further violence or put innocent people at risk.
“Every stakeholder has a vital role to play in building a common front against cultism and other criminal activities. We must work together to prevent violence and ensure the safety of our people,” Adewale said.
The command maintained that cooperation between residents and law enforcement could help prevent security incidents and reduce the risk of further loss of life.
Community Leaders Demand More Police Patrols
During the meeting, traditional rulers, youth leaders and CDC representatives expressed concern about the security situation in their communities.
They called for increased police visibility and more frequent patrols to deter criminal activities and reassure residents.
The representatives also highlighted the importance of protecting the identities of people who provide security information to the authorities, noting that residents need confidence that reporting threats will not expose them to danger.
They raised other security concerns requiring support from the police and government.
Adewale Promises Continued Engagement With Communities
Responding to the concerns, the commissioner assured the community representatives that their issues would receive attention.
He emphasised the need for sustained communication between the police and local stakeholders, saying regular engagement would help authorities understand emerging threats and respond more effectively.
Adewale also encouraged residents to report suspicious movements, threats and other security concerns as soon as they arise.
“We encourage residents to report suspicious movements, threats and other security concerns promptly. Early information will enable the police to respond before situations deteriorate into violence,” he said.
Residents Asked to Support Efforts to Restore Peace
The community leaders welcomed the engagement and pledged to strengthen their cooperation with the Bayelsa State Police Command in efforts to curb cult-related activities.
The command appealed to residents and other stakeholders to reject violence and retaliatory attacks while supporting lawful measures aimed at maintaining peace and security in Yenagoa and other affected communities.
The police said timely reporting, stronger community partnerships and collective action would remain important elements of efforts to prevent further violence and protect lives across the state.
