The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during raids on identified criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital, amid renewed concerns over cult-related violence in the area.
The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the operation was part of efforts to rid the state capital of criminal elements and strengthen security.
According to the statement, the suspects, who were allegedly members of the Eiye Confraternity, were believed to be linked to a criminal gang accused of terrorising residents around Mackay Junction in Osogbo.
The suspects were identified as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.
The police spokesperson said operatives recovered suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash believed to be proceeds from drug-related activities during the intelligence-led raids.
He said the operation was carried out in compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan Zungura.
The command said the raids would continue across identified criminal hideouts and black spots in Osogbo and other parts of the state until criminal elements were apprehended and lasting peace was restored.
The commissioner urged parents, guardians, community leaders, landlords and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
He also advised youths to shun cultism, illicit drugs and criminal associations, warning that involvement in criminal activities could have serious consequences.
The arrests came amid renewed concerns over cult-related violence in Osogbo. The police had earlier confirmed the deaths of two people following clashes involving suspected members of rival cult groups in the state capital.
The incident reportedly occurred at a lounge in Owoeba, along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road, where the victims were attacked by unidentified assailants.
The police urged residents to cooperate with security agencies in the collective effort to curb crime and protect lives and property.
