Police operatives in Osun State have arrested two suspected cult members following a clash at Laoye Street in Ede North Local Government Area, recovering a locally made firearm and an axe during the operation.
Security forces responded to a distress call reporting a violent clash between rival cult groups that had caused panic in the community. Upon arriving at the scene, the team was ambushed by armed cultists who opened fire. Operatives repelled the attack, arresting one suspect in possession of a cut-to-size gun. The suspect, who suffered a minor gunshot injury during the exchange, admitted to being a member of the Aye cult group during interrogation.
A subsequent search of the cordoned-off area led to the arrest of a second suspect found with a battle axe and charms, who confessed to belonging to the Eiye confraternity. Efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members and recover additional hidden weapons.
In a related development, 14 suspects were apprehended during a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts and black spots across Osogbo, including Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie, and Orisunmibare. Out of 37 individuals initially detained, 23 were released unconditionally following profiling.
Preliminary investigations linked the remaining 14 suspects to criminal activities such as extortion, thuggery, illicit drug operations, and disturbing public peace. All charged suspects have been remanded to court.
Law enforcement authorities reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crime across the state, warning residents against acts that endanger public peace and encouraging the public to report suspicious activities promptly.
