In a devastating attack on Easter Sunday, gunmen believed to be cultists stormed Swali community in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, leaving four people dead and several others injured. The attack has shaken the local population and raised further concerns about the growing insecurity in the region.
According to sources, the gunmen arrived at Swali from the nearby river, striking at a time when residents were in their homes after celebrating Easter at local churches. The victims, who were mostly innocent civilians, were caught off-guard in their own community, as the attackers unleashed violence in an area that is home to one of the state’s busiest markets and several important federal agencies.
Swali community is a significant part of Yenagoa. It hosts Bayelsa State’s largest market, making it a hub for commerce in the area. Additionally, Swali is located near the government house, which houses key government institutions and agencies such as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The community is also home to the Federal Secretariat, making it a key area in the state. This makes the attack even more troubling, as it targets a central point in Yenagoa where both commercial and administrative activities thrive.
The Swali waterfront is another notable feature of the community. It serves as a transportation route for residents to travel to other parts of the state. The area’s importance to the local economy and transportation systems makes this act of violence especially alarming for the people of Yenagoa.
Although the identity of the attackers remains unclear, there have been speculations that the assault might be linked to ongoing cult clashes in the area. Swali has long been a battleground between two notorious cult groups, the Greenlanders and the Bobos, who are engaged in a deadly struggle for supremacy. This long-standing feud has led to sporadic violence in the area, with innocent residents often caught in the crossfire.
However, it remains uncertain if the recent attack is directly related to this cult conflict. The lack of clear evidence linking the gunmen to either of the groups has left many questions unanswered. In any case, the attack highlights the rising insecurity in the area, which has been a source of concern for both residents and local authorities.
The attack has left the community in shock and mourning. Several residents have been forced to flee their homes in fear of another attack. The violence has made many people question their safety, with some leaving the area in search of refuge elsewhere. As the community comes to grips with the tragedy, there have been calls for increased security to prevent further bloodshed.
Hon. Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba, the member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, condemned the attack in the strongest terms. During a visit to Swali on Tuesday, she described the assault as “barbaric” and expressed her condolences to the families of the victims. She called on the people of Swali to unite in the face of this crisis and resist external forces that may seek to destabilize the community.
Egba also urged the youth of the community to avoid engaging in any activities that could lead to further violence and destruction. “We must come together as a community to fight this menace,” she said, stressing the importance of peace, unity, and vigilance.
HRH Wilcox Seiyefa Job, the Paramount Ruler of Swali Community, also reacted strongly to the attack. During a meeting with the visiting lawmaker, he called on the Bayelsa State government to establish police posts at strategic locations within Swali. He argued that these posts would help deter future attacks and ensure that the people of the community are safe from harm.
The traditional ruler’s call for increased security comes in the wake of rising tensions in the state. The government must act swiftly to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and reassure residents that their safety is a priority. Job emphasized the importance of a coordinated response between the government, security forces, and the community to protect Swali from further violence.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that steps are being taken to restore order in the community. DSP Musa Mohammed, the police spokesman for the state, confirmed that security had been increased in Swali following the attack. The police are conducting investigations to determine the identity of the gunmen and the motive behind the attack.
While the police have stated that the attack may not be related to the ongoing cult clashes, they are not ruling out any possibilities. Authorities are focused on preventing further violence and are working to ensure that no other communities in the region face similar attacks. Investigations are ongoing, and the police are hopeful that those responsible will be apprehended soon.
The violence in Swali is part of a broader trend of growing insecurity in Bayelsa State and other parts of the Niger Delta. Over the years, Bayelsa has struggled with criminal activities ranging from cultism and armed robbery to militancy and kidnapping. The state has faced challenges in controlling these issues, despite the presence of security forces.
Residents of Swali and other communities in Yenagoa have long called for better protection and greater police presence in their areas. The recent attack has only heightened these calls, as many feel that the security situation in the state has deteriorated. Although the Bayelsa State government has promised to improve security, the situation remains tense, with many citizens still uncertain about their safety.
