Suspected Cultists Behead Rival in Bayelsa, Police Launch Immediate Manhunt
In a shocking and gruesome incident, suspected cultists have beheaded a 30-year-old man in the Yenigwe area of Igbogene community, located within Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The brutal attack occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026, sending waves of fear and outrage through the local population.
Details of the Brutal Attack
Community sources have revealed to newsmen that the incident stemmed from simmering tensions between two rival cult groups operating in the area. According to eyewitness accounts, the victim, identified as Ebi Doudou, also known as "Npotor (Nois)," ventured into Yenegue, a territory controlled by the Bobos cult group. He was reportedly captured, tied up, and abandoned on a roadside before being beheaded in a horrific manner.
The corpse of the deceased was discovered naked, with his hands bound, and his head completely severed from his body. In an act of extreme brutality, the assailants also severed his testicles and penis, which were subsequently taken away from the scene, adding to the gruesome nature of the crime.
Police Response and Investigation
Authorities at the Bayelsa State Police Command have confirmed the identity of the victim as a native of Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The police disclosed that Ebi Doudou was a member of the rival Greenlanders cult group and was attacked and beheaded by suspected members of the Bobos cult group.
In response to this heinous crime, the State Police Commissioner, CP Daniel Iyamah Edobor, has ordered an immediate and extensive manhunt for the killers. The commissioner has detailed the specialized Operation Puff Adder unit, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, to launch a thorough investigation into the incident with the aim of bringing all those involved to justice.
Community and Family Appeals
Relatives of the deceased are urgently calling on the investigating team, Operation Puff Adder, to assist the family and the Amassoma community in apprehending those responsible for this cult-related killing. They have urged the team to disregard recent attacks and false claims made against the police outfit and the State Police Command, emphasizing the need for swift action in this case.
According to police reports, one of the key suspects is already on the wanted list of Operation Puff Adder. This individual is linked to the alleged discovery of two pump-action guns found in his home during a tactical raid conducted last year. It is alleged that this suspect consistently instructed another dissident zonal cult leader of the Bobos group to disobey peace accords and target any rival groups found within his domain.
The source further claimed that Ebi Doudou was one of the first victims of this renewed violence, as he was visiting Etegwe when he was rounded up by members of the Bobos cult and beheaded in a particularly gory manner. This incident underscores the ongoing and deadly rivalries between cult groups in the region, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement and community safety.
