Police arrest 46 suspects after cult war in Kwara

Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested 46 suspected cultists in Ilorin, the state capital, DAILY POST reports.

They were arrested after what police described as disturbing cult activities at different points of the state capital according to the spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, in a statement in Ilorin on Monday.

One person was reportedly killed in one of the cult related violence that erupted.

She said: “In the early hours of April 13, 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.

“The victim was buried according to Islamic rites without the knowledge of the police. Preliminary investigations indicated that one Abubakar Gobir, a member of the Aye Confraternity, was involved in the crime.

“Later that evening, at about 8 pm, reports emerged of further cult activities in Ile-Alawo Compound, Center 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. The police 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 in a 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, Isale Oja, Ilorin and six patrol teams, supported by men of the community policing to quell the disturbance.”

The police spokesperson disclosed further: “During the operation, 46 suspects were apprehended and handed over to the State Police Command’s 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.”