Pastor arrested in Bayelsa for hiring cultists to kill rival Prophet

A Delta State–born pastor, Elijah Oro, has been arrested in Bayelsa State for allegedly plotting to assassinate a rival pastor over disputes involving church membership and property.

The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command’s SWAT unit following credible intelligence.

Pastor hired cultist to attack rival

Police revealed that Pastor Oro reportedly hired 21-year-old Samuel Daniel, a member of the notorious Greenlanders cult, to carry out the alleged attack.

The plot was foiled before any harm could occur, and both suspects are now under police investigation.

In a statement, DSP Musa Mohammed, the police public relations officer, said: “On 28th January 2026, at about 10:35 am, SWAT operatives arrested Samuel Daniel, 21, of Nembe Ogbolomabiri Community, and Pastor Elijah Oro, 59, of Ozoro Community, Delta State, in connection with an alleged plot to kill a prophet.”

DSP Mohammed added that Daniel was apprehended at the rival pastor’s premises and confessed to being a Greenlanders cult member. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full motive behind the alleged attack.

Social media reactions

@JunNetworkJ: “It is always a business venture for all these people tlat call themselves pastors… Can you imagine?” 

@Cent_Maine: “A church dispute reportedly escalated into an assassination plot. Police say a pastor hired a cult member to eliminate a rival prophet in Bayelsa. Faith mixed with violence never ends well.”

@aneneeugene952: “Hmm, every day I see reasons not to believe in pastors anymore, but God will help me”

@davidsalt: “Guess who will take credit for the work the police have done? His church might even grow because he exposed his enemies in that manner.”