Bayelsa Police Arrest Pastor for Alleged Plot to Kill Rival Prophet
Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command have made a shocking arrest, apprehending Pastor Elijah Oro over an alleged conspiracy to murder a fellow prophet in the state. The arrest, which occurred on January 28, 2026, has sent ripples through the community, highlighting disturbing tensions within religious circles.
Details of the Alleged Conspiracy
According to police reports, Pastor Oro allegedly hired Samuel Daniel, a 21-year-old member of the notorious Greenlanders Confraternity cult group, to execute his rival. The motive behind this sinister plot is reported to stem from disputes over church membership and property, issues that have apparently escalated to a deadly level. Police spokesperson Musa Muhammad confirmed the incident in a statement on January 30, noting that the suspect has confessed to his involvement.
Key points from the police investigation include:
- Samuel Daniel was arrested at the prophet's residence while attempting to break into the house to gain access to the clergy.
- Pastor Elijah Oro, 59 years old from Ozoro Community in Delta State, was subsequently taken into custody.
- Preliminary investigations reveal Daniel confessed to being a cult member hired by Oro for the assassination.
- The police acted on credible intelligence to apprehend both suspects, and investigations are ongoing to fully unravel the motive.
Broader Security Context in Bayelsa
This alarming incident occurs against a backdrop of rising security challenges in Bayelsa State. Urban areas like Yenagoa have become hotspots for various criminal activities, with reported offences showing an upward trend in recent years. The state grapples with significant issues driven by oil-related economic struggles, high poverty rates, and unemployment.
Common crimes in the region include:
- Militant activities and oil theft
- Kidnapping and armed robbery
- Cult-related violence and communal conflicts
Studies have shown a rise in criminal activity in the state's urban centres, largely attributed to environmental factors including economic, social, and political issues within the Niger Delta region. The prevalence of such crimes underscores the complex security landscape facing law enforcement agencies in Bayelsa.
Recent Police Operations in the State
This arrest follows other significant police operations in Bayelsa. Recently, law enforcement authorities apprehended a suspected cult member and pipeline vandal, Temona Alison, who was on the police's wanted list. Alison was reportedly arrested in possession of dangerous items including four grenades, a live cartridge, military uniform, and a cutlass.
The Bayelsa police command continues to face the daunting task of addressing multiple security threats while maintaining public safety. The arrest of Pastor Oro and his alleged accomplice represents both a success in police intelligence work and a troubling indication of how criminal elements have infiltrated various sectors of society, including religious institutions.
As investigations continue into this alleged murder plot, residents of Bayelsa remain concerned about the broader security situation in their state. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges facing communities in the Niger Delta region, where economic pressures and social tensions sometimes manifest in violent and unexpected ways.
