Diri Presides Over 42nd Bayelsa Security Council Meeting, Orders Mass Arrest of Cultists After Igbogene Clash

Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, on Thursday presided over the 42nd meeting of the State Security Council at Government House, Yenagoa, where he directed security agencies to carry out the mass arrest of identified cultists following a recent violent clash in Igbogene community.

Addressing members of the council, the governor expressed grave concern over the resurgence of cult-related violence in parts of the state capital, stressing that his administration would not condone any form of criminality.

He specifically ordered security agencies to apprehend all individuals linked to the Igbogene incident and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“So, I have directed that anybody caught should face the music. There should be mass arrest of any of them that we know so that we will tame them. We can’t continue to have youths who were provided opportunities in several ways and will not take that but want to continue in crime and criminality. We will not tolerate crime and criminality in our state,” the governor declared.

Governor Diri reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that government had consistently rolled out empowerment programmes aimed at engaging youths productively. He urged young people across the state to take advantage of opportunities in sports development and other skill-building initiatives rather than resorting to cultism and other criminal acts.

The governor also commended security service commanders for their proactive efforts in tackling crime, particularly the recent demolition of the notorious Yenizue-Gene “Aboki Quarters,” previously identified as a hub for drug abuse and other illicit activities. He described the action as a bold step toward sanitising the state capital and restoring public confidence in security operations.

In a related development, Governor Diri received a delegation from the British High Commission, led by Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, who are in Yenagoa to advance collaboration on youth empowerment and security initiatives.

The governor lauded the High Commission’s partnership initiative, particularly its programme tagged “Brighter Future,” which focuses on early intervention strategies to prevent vulnerable youths from being drawn into serious and organised crime.

The initiative, facilitated in the state by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, is designed to provide structured support, mentorship, and alternative pathways for at-risk youths.

Governor Diri reaffirmed Bayelsa State’s readiness to deepen cooperation with international partners in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development, emphasising that meaningful youth engagement remains central to the long-term stability and prosperity of the state.