In connection with a violent clash that erupted between two rival cult groups in the Budo-Oke, Eiyenkori area of Asa Local Government in Kwara State on Tuesday, operatives of the Kwara State police command have apprehended three suspected cultists.
During the clash, reported by NewsNow, two buildings were also set on fire in the town.
The arrested individuals, Suleiman Ismail, Mamud Ibrahim, and Mudashir Saeed, all residents of Budo-Oke, Eiyenkori, were allegedly found in possession of a dane gun at the time of their arrest.
Efforts to arrest other suspects have been intensified by police operatives, according to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, on Wednesday.
According to her statement, “On 30th April 2024, at approximately 0130hours, a confrontation occurred between two suspected cultists identified as Adams Isah, also known as ‘Number One’, aged 28, and Rasaq Olorunwa, aged 28.
“Both individuals are male residents of Budo-Oke in Eiyenkorin. The confrontation escalated, leading to Rasaq Olorunwa stabbing Adams Isah in the chest with a knife.
“Adams Isah was swiftly taken to the general hospital in Ilorin for medical treatment. Tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital by a medical doctor. The body has been taken to the hospital’s mortuary pending an autopsy.
“Subsequent to this incident, suspected members of the same cult group as the victim became aggressive, disrupting public peace in an attempt to avenge their leader’s death. The police tactical teams of the command promptly responded and apprehended three suspects at the crime scene.”
She further stated that the suspects have been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Ilorin for further scrutiny, while a search has been initiated to locate Rasaq Olorunwa who is currently on the run along with other individuals who may have fled the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, emphasized that membership in any cult group is a severe criminal offense under the law and assured the public that calm has been restored in the area, with rigorous efforts being made to ensure justice prevails.