Niger Delta
Bayelsa Tackles Cult War, Arrests 15
Cult war among different groups in Bayelsa State which had been in a lull, seems to have returned in full force leading to the death of more than five persons within the last few days, most of them, youths and students.
The recent battle ground was at Ovom, a suburb of the state capital, where a young man and his girl friend were killed. However, a retailatory action by a rival cult led to infliction of injuries on several persons including passers-by.
However, by Monday afternoon, the situation had been brought to normalcy as security agents quick intervention led to the arrest of more than 15 persons.
Allthough police in the state are claiming ignorance of the incident, the state government said; “report over the unfortunate death of a young lady hit by stray bullets due to the clash of two rival cult gangs in Yenagoa has just been brought to our notice.
Upon further investigation, the report said that the other three persons who sustained serious injuries as a result of the cross-fire gave up the ghost this morning while receiving treatment at the hospital.
The statement signed by the Senior Assistant to the Governor on Media and publicity, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson said “Bayelsa State Government is working closely with the various security agencies to get to the root of the matter.
Measures aimed at putting a complete stop to the criminal activities of these various cult groups as well as the move to clamp down on all forms of crime and criminal tendencies perpetrated by those considered to be enemies of the state, will be unveiled in the coming days.
The Tide learnt that the move was in keeping with the earlier promise made by the Dickson administration that it will ensure a zero tolerance to all forms of crime and criminality. Already, government has set up a task force to handle security challenges and it said it was willing to confront the various security issues thrown up by activities of cult groups and militants.
Meanwhile, The Tide gathered that 15 cult members have been arrested earlier in another related incident involving clashes by cult activities.
While assuring people of the state of their continued safety and security, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, has directed the various security agencies in the state to step-up effort to rid the state of all cult activities and other forms of criminal acts perpetrated by enemies of the state”.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.