Two young graduates of Niger Delta University, Amassoma, were brutally murdered by suspected cultists late Thursday night in Gbarantoru, a community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
One of the victims was identified as Ayaokpo Sinclair, a native of Tombia community. The identity of the second victim has not yet been confirmed. Both were reportedly awaiting their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) postings at the time of the incident.
According to Tolummbofa Jonathan, Commander of the Bayelsa State chapter of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, the graduates had gone out around 11 p.m. to buy some items when they were suddenly attacked. He said the assailants, believed to be cult members, arrived in a vehicle, chanting a known cult slogan before launching a machete assault on the two young men.
One of the victims attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby creek but later succumbed to his injuries. The other was killed at the scene. Jonathan explained that the vehicle’s driver, who reportedly recognized one of the victims as a relative, initially tried to protect him. However, the attackers returned to the car and assaulted the victim again, leaving him unconscious.
Efforts were made to save him by rushing him to a local health facility, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Police officers were called to the scene, and both bodies were taken to the morgue.
Jonathan confirmed that the driver of the vehicle has been arrested, and law enforcement is actively searching for the other suspects.
Bayelsa State Police Command spokesperson, Musa Mohammed, also confirmed the killings. He stated that the State Criminal Investigation Department is investigating the case and pursuing those still at large.
