From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Amarata community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Monday staged a massive peace walk to protest rising cult-related violence and criminality, warning cult groups to vacate the area immediately.
Led by the Paramount Ruler, Chief Sam David, the community declared that it would no longer tolerate insecurity. Chief David said Amarata had reached a breaking point and vowed that traditional authorities, security outfits, and youths would flush out criminal elements.
Youth President, Comrade Izibeya Excel, pledged that residents would no longer live in fear, insisting that offenders would be fished out “house to house.” Similarly, Comrade Gifted Natus launched Operation Set Amarata Free, stressing that even indigenes involved in cultism would face sanctions.
Participants carried placards with inscriptions such as “Say No to Cultism” and “Amarata Must Be Free,” while community stakeholders called on security agencies and civil society to support their campaign for lasting peace.
