At least five people are feared dead following renewed clashes between rival cult groups in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, amid intensified police operations to prevent further violence.

The latest violence reportedly involved members of the Bobos and Greenlanders groups and occurred in parts of the state capital, including Agudama, Obele and the Back of St Peter’s area.

Reports of the renewed confrontation emerged over the weekend, with residents expressing concern about possible reprisal attacks and further escalation.

The exact circumstances that triggered the latest clashes remained unclear as of Tuesday. Reports indicated that one of the early incidents involved the alleged killing of a young man in Agudama, while another suspected cult member was reportedly shot and injured.

The reported death toll has not been independently confirmed by the police, and authorities have not officially established that five people were killed.

The Bayelsa State Police Command, however, has confirmed arrests in connection with the recent violence and ordered intensified operations against cult-related activities across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, directed divisional police officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in areas considered vulnerable to cult violence.

The command said officers had also been instructed to act quickly on credible intelligence concerning planned attacks, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.

Police authorities said they were working with community leaders to identify emerging tensions and prevent violence before it occurs. Where attacks take place, officers have been directed to secure affected areas, investigate those responsible and prevent retaliatory attacks.

The police commissioner warned cult members and their sponsors against attacks and reprisals, saying anyone involved in organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related crimes would be investigated regardless of their status.

The command also cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, harbouring suspects or spreading rumours capable of escalating tensions.

The latest incident adds to a history of cult-related violence in Yenagoa. A report by the European Union Agency for Asylum identified clashes between the Greenlanders and Bobos as a major source of cult-related violence in the city, particularly around the Igbogene area.

The violence has previously been linked to disputes involving control of territory and revenues around transport facilities, with other cult groups also reported to operate in the area.

Earlier reports documented several cult-related killings in Bayelsa in 2025, prompting increased concern among residents and calls for stronger action against rival groups.

The latest police crackdown is therefore aimed not only at investigating the reported killings but also at preventing a cycle of retaliation that could lead to further casualties.

Authorities have urged residents with information about planned attacks or cult activities to report them to the police rather than attempting to confront suspected members themselves.

For now, the reported five deaths remain unconfirmed by the police, while investigations and security operations continue in the affected parts of Yenagoa.