Kwara State police command has arrested 46 suspected members of various cult groups, said to have been terrorising residents of the Ilorin metropolis in the past few days.
The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the suspected members of the cult groups had unleashed terror in such communities as Ile-Film/Bolanta road, Eleran compound, Baboko, Ile Onimago, Adabata, and Eruda between Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14, 2024.
It was also gathered that at least one life was lost, while several people sustained machete cuts during the attack and counterattacks among the cult members.
The Nigerian Tribune learned that the miscreants who engaged in a violent confrontation—free-for-all combat—used weapons such as broken bottles and stones, leading to the blockage of Baboko Road.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Police command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, for the state commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, the command said that 14 out of the 46 suspects that were arrested have been linked to the recent cult activities in the Ilorin metropolis.
“In the early hours of April 13th, 2024, a disturbing incident of culpable homicide occurred at Ile-Film/Bolanta road in Ilorin. Suspected cultists attacked and fatally shot Adelodun Farouq, a 36-year-old resident of Eleran Compound, Ile-Alawo Compound, and Centre Igboro.
“The victim was buried according to Islamic rites without the knowledge of the police. Preliminary investigations indicate that Abubakar Gobir, a member of the Ayee confraternity, was involved in the crime.
“Later that evening, at about 2000 hrs, reports emerged of further cult activities in Eleran Compound. Ile-Alawo Compound, Centre Igboro. Unidentified cultists assaulted Abdullahi Alao, a 35-year-old motorcycle rider, with a machete cut to his head.
“Alao was subsequently taken to an unknown location by his younger brother. led by detectives, initiated a thorough search of the area.
“On April 14, 2024, another incident of criminal conspiracy involving suspected cultists was reported in various areas, including Baboko, Ile Onimago, Adabata, and Eruda.
“Miscreants engaged in a violent confrontation, free-for-all combat, using weapons such as broken bottles and stones, leading to the blockage of Baboko Road.
“Swift action was taken by the DPO C Division, and six patrol teams, supported by men of the community, were mobilised to quell the disturbance.
“During the operation, 46 suspects were apprehended and handed over to the State Command Anti-Cultist Unit for further investigation.
“14 out of the 46 suspects arrested have been linked to the recent cult activities in the Ilorin metropolis.
“Normalcy has since been restored to the affected areas, the road barricades have been cleared, and residents are able to resume their daily activities.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, psc+, urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.”.
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