The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the recent resurgence of cult clashes in different parts of Abeokuta over the weekend, which resulted in the death of four individuals. The Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, revealed this information to newsmen on Monday.
According to Odutola, the clashes led to the death of Seun Elewode, a member of the Aye cult group, during a shootout between rival cult groups in the Adeun area of Lafenwa, Abeokuta. Another suspected member of the Buccaneer confraternity was also killed in the Akinolugbade area of the town.
“One Seun Elewode, a notorious member of Aye cult group who just returned from prison was attacked and shot dead at Adeun, Lafenwa in Abeokuta. He was shot dead during a shootout at their hideout in a cool spot during a birthday party. On February 4, around 10.45 pm in Oshungboye crescent in Akinolugbade, a suspected cultist was shot dead, while another was shot in the chest,” Odutola explained.
She further disclosed that 11 suspects were arrested in connection with the killings. The arrested individuals were identified as Oluga Abiola, Olamilekan Abiodun, Olarenwaju Michael, Jimoh Okewole, Wasu Tolulope, Abiodun Adeyemi, Muiz Adeyemi, Adebowale Saheed, Adebowale Ayoola, David Oviem, and Adebowale Olayori.
The cult clashes reportedly began when a suspected leader of the Eiye confraternity, known as Dare (Oloba), was shot dead in front of his house in the Ijeja area of Abeokuta. The violence escalated, leading to additional casualties, including the murder of another suspected cultist, Tayo Alora, in the Isabo area of the state capital on Sunday morning.
Eyewitnesses and residents have expressed concerns about the escalating violence and called on the government and security agencies to intervene promptly to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.
