In response to the escalating violence plaguing the Swali community in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Governor Douye Diri has suspended the paramount ruler of Swali, His Royal Highness Wilcox Seiyefa Job, with immediate effect.
The suspension was due to the traditional ruler’s inability to show leadership expected of his position in the fight against crime and cultism, amidst credible intelligence that two of his sons are involved in cult activities in the community.
The Swali community has been plagued by a surge in cult-related violence, leading to numerous fatalities and widespread fear among residents. Rival cult groups, notably the Greenlanders and the Bobos, have been engaged in violent clashes over control of local territories and resources.
These confrontations have resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals since the beginning of the year, with incidents including a deadly attack on Easter Sunday, where four people were killed by gunmen suspected to be cultists.
According to the commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the state government has also directed the police to declare the monarch‘s two sons, allegedly involved in cult activities, as wanted persons.
„The governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the suspension of the Paramount Ruler of Swali Community in Yenagoa local government area, HRH Wilcox Seiyefa Job. The suspension takes immediate effect.
„The commissioner of police has been directed to declare the two royal sons and all those involved in cultism in Swali wanted. All those involved are to be arrested for investigation and prosecution,“ she said.
These measures underscore the government‘s commitment to restoring peace and order in Swali and sending a clear message that complicity or negligence in addressing cult-related violence will not be tolerated.
