1 killed, 20 arrested in suspected cult clashes

•Tension in Ikere-Ekiti

One person has been reportedly killed in suspected students’ cult clashes in Ikere-Ekiti, described by witnesses as “attacks and counter-attacks.”

The clashes, which cause could not be ascertained, have created tension in the community with many people now living in fear.

Following the development, no fewer than 20 suspects were said to have been arrested by the community’s vigilante group, which said it had handed them over to the police.

The development led to the beef up of security in the community, with the police carrying out a stop and search of vehicles coming in and out of Ikere.

The traditional ruler of Ikere, the Ogoga, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, said one person had been killed so far in the clashes.

The monarch said: “I can only confirm to you that only one person has been killed. The attacks were carried out by suspected student cultists from Ado, who invaded Ikere to carry out the attacks. They were coming for another reprisal on Wednesday when 20 of them were arrested by the vigilantes in the town.

“We are calling on the Police and other security agencies to be more vigilant and protect citizens carrying out their legitimate businesses. Anybody having information that can assist security agencies should assist them in their investigation.”

Some residents, however, claimed that no fewer than five persons had been killed so far, saying that most of the victims were hacked to death in Araromi area of the town.