The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, has urged traditional rulers, youth leaders and Community Development Committees (CDCs) to collaborate with the police to curb cult-related violence and prevent further loss of lives in the state.
Adewale made the call during a meeting with community leaders and CDC representatives in Yenagoa on Friday, following a recent spate of cult-related violence that has claimed lives in some communities.
In a press release issued on Saturday and made available to our correspondent, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Muhammed, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening community collaboration and addressing emerging security threats.
The commissioner described traditional rulers as the eyes of their communities and urged them to work with youth leaders and CDC representatives to identify potential threats, discourage reprisals and provide timely information to the police.
He said, “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.”
Adewale stressed that a united response from community stakeholders was necessary to protect lives and restore peace in affected areas.
He added, “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.”
During the engagement, the traditional rulers, youth leaders and CDC representatives expressed concern over the security situation and called for increased police visibility and patrols in their communities.
They also emphasised the need to protect the identities of residents who provide security information to the authorities, while highlighting other areas requiring support from the police and government.
Responding, the commissioner assured the community leaders that their concerns would receive attention, stressing the importance of sustained communication between the police and local stakeholders.
He urged residents to promptly report threats and suspicious activities to enable security operatives to intervene before violence escalated.
“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.
The community leaders expressed appreciation for the engagement and pledged to work more closely with the police command to curb cult-related activities and prevent further loss of life.
The command called on residents and other stakeholders to reject violence and reprisals and support lawful efforts to maintain peace and security in Yenagoa communities.