Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested 20 suspected cultists linked to the killing of a police officer in Ilesi, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The suspects were picked up after a coordinated operation that followed days of tension in the affected community.
The command’s spokesperson, Umma Ayuba, explained that the attack happened on November 29 at about 9.30 pm when suspected members of the Neo Black Movement, popularly known as Aye Confraternity, stormed the area in what was believed to be a reprisal move. She said the group had invaded the neighbourhood in search of rival cult members.
“As the suspects moved through the neighbourhood in search of rival cultists, tension escalated, drawing the attention of a police officer who lived in the community, along with some residents,” Ayuba said.
She added that the moment the armed group noticed the officer and others watching the incident, they opened fire.
According to her, “Upon sighting them, the armed cultists opened fire, killing the officer on the spot and leaving two other residents severely injured. In a gruesome twist, the attackers amputated the officer’s left hand and fled with it.”
Ayuba noted that the Zone 2 Dragon Squad began an intelligence-led operation immediately after the incident which led to a raid in the early hours of December 1.
“At about 12.00 am, officers raided a hideout in the Ogbere area of Ogun, where the suspects were believed to be regrouping,” she said.
The operation led to the arrest of 20 suspects and the recovery of several items believed to have been used for criminal activities. “Items recovered include one Nissan Micra with registration number KSH 793 XA, a double-barrelled short gun, a single-barrelled short gun, two locally made single-barrel pistols, 29 live cartridges, 19 mobile phones, N72,000 cash, a wristwatch, three necklaces and three ATM cards,” she said.
She also disclosed that one suspect remained on the run and was believed to be in possession of the late officer’s amputated hand. She assured that efforts were ongoing to track him down.
Security presence has since been strengthened in the area, with the police warning residents to stay alert. Ayuba said the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the zone, Adegoke Fayoade, urged members of the public to share useful information.
She said, “AIG Fayoade, while urging residents to remain vigilant, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of these heinous crimes are made to face the full wrath of the law.”
