Two graduates of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, were killed in a suspected cult attack in the Gbarantoru community, located within the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The incident occurred at approximately 11 pm on Thursday.
One of the deceased has been identified as Ayaokpo Sinclair, a graduate from the Tombia community. The identity of the second victim remained unconfirmed at the time of reporting. Both individuals were reportedly awaiting their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) call-up letters.
Mr. Tolummbofa Jonathan, Commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Bayelsa State, stated on Friday that the two graduates had left their residence to purchase items in the evening. A group of individuals arrived in the community by vehicle and reportedly identified the victims, shouting “See them.”
According to Mr. Jonathan, the assailants chanted “aye, aye,” a phrase believed to be a cult slogan, before attacking the graduates with machetes. One victim reportedly sustained machete wounds and attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby creek, where he later died. The other victim was reportedly killed at the scene of the attack.
Mr. Jonathan further stated that the driver of the vehicle transporting the alleged cultists initially attempted to assist the graduate who had fled into the creek, claiming a familial relationship. However, upon the return of the other attackers, the driver was allegedly overpowered, and the injured graduate was further assaulted until he became unconscious. Despite attempts by the vigilante group to revive him at a local health center, the second victim succumbed to his injuries. The police were subsequently notified, and the bodies were transferred to a morgue.
Mr. Jonathan indicated that the police have initiated an investigation into the incident and have apprehended the driver of the vehicle involved. Efforts are reportedly underway to apprehend the other individuals who fled the scene.
The spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr. Musa Mohammed, confirmed the incident when contacted. He stated that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings and that an active investigation is being conducted by the State Criminal Investigative Department (SCID).
“The State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced an investigation into the matter to arrest the fleeing suspects,” Mr. Mohammed stated.
