By Doupere Fada
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Bayelsa State is currently facing a resurgence of deadly cult-related violence that has claimed numerous innocent lives and rendered the streets of Yenagoa unsafe, particularly for young men. The situation has grown increasingly alarming, with several young graduates of the state-owned Niger Delta University tragically losing their lives while awaiting deployment for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. These are not just statistics—they are the hopes and dreams of families and communities extinguished in their prime. Additionally, scores of residents, including breadwinners, have been lost during this period of unrest.
This disturbing trend is not new to Bayelsa. Since its creation from the old Rivers State, cultism and gang violence have plagued the state. Past administrations have made various attempts to address this deeply rooted problem. The late Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha, the state’s first elected governor, took commendable steps to curb this menace. His successors, including Chief Timipre Sylva, introduced notable initiatives such as the “Peace House” project, which offered monthly stipends to dissuade cultists from violence, and the “Operation Famotangbein” task force aimed at sanitizing the streets from cult-related crime.
Unfortunately, despite these well-meaning efforts, the crisis has endured. More troubling is the fact that Chief Timipre Sylva’s genuine efforts to restore peace and order were frequently used against him by some of our own people. Rather than being appreciated, his proactive measures became political ammunition for criticism. This painful precedent should serve as a cautionary note to the current administration.
Governor Douye Diri must tread carefully as he tackles the ongoing cult war. While it is essential that he confronts the problem head-on, he must do so with both strategic wisdom and awareness of the political undercurrents. There is an urgent need to strengthen security operations and ensure that no individual—regardless of social standing—is above the law. Perpetrators must be arrested, tried in open court, and punished accordingly.
The time has passed for placating violent groups through backdoor settlements and monetary inducements. Bayelsa’s resources should no longer be deployed to reward lawlessness in the name of peace. Justice must be served transparently and consistently to restore public confidence and send a strong message that the state will no longer tolerate violence of any form.
Bayelsa deserves peace. Our youth deserve to live. Our leaders must rise above politics and take decisive action. Governor Diri has an opportunity to lead differently—to ensure that this generation is not another casualty of violence and neglect.
Peace is not a privilege; it is a right. The time to act is now.
*By Doupere Fada is a public commentator and writes from Yenagoa
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