The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested 10 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” boy, and left three others injured.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel, disclosed on Tuesday that the suspects were apprehended during a police raid following a distress call from residents, who reported that armed cultists were shooting indiscriminately while robbing people of their mobile phones and other valuables.
According to the police, the operation was launched after residents alerted security operatives that suspected cult members had invaded the Obele community and were attacking people during the night.
The suspects allegedly dispossessed several residents of their phones and valuables before encountering resistance from a group of metal scavengers, commonly referred to as “Iron Condemned.”
Eyewitnesses said the scavengers refused to surrender their phones, provoking the attackers, who allegedly 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 said.
One of the victims later died in hospital after sustaining fatal gunshot injuries, while three others survived and are receiving treatment.
Police Assure Residents
CP Iyamah Daniel reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling cult-related violence and criminality across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation is essential for effective intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
The Police Commissioner assured that those responsible for the Obele attack would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
