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Ondo Community Raises The Alarm Over Cult Killings, Demands Police Action

November 4, 2019

It was learnt that members of some cult groups clashed at an event in the community recently, killing members of rival gangs in the process.

Our correspondent gathered on Monday that the clashes had created tension in the area as residents and business owners have been expressing fear following the level of insecurity in the community.

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Residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have cried out over the spate of cult violence in the region.

It was learnt that members of some cult groups clashed at an event in the community recently, killing members of rival gangs in the process.

Our correspondent gathered on Monday that the clashes had created tension in the area as residents and business owners have been expressing fear following the level of insecurity in the community.

Some residents, who spoke with SaharaReporters, said young boys came into Igbokoda and turned the area into a "war zone".

They claimed that the activities of cult groups had become a source of worry to many of the residents in the community.

One woman, Bose Adesanmi, said residents of Igbokoda were now worried over the rising spate of killings by cult gangs, noting that people could no longer sleep well at night due to fear of being attacked.

"The situation is so pathetic as boys have turned our streets into a war zone, denying us of sleep at night.

"They were invited into this community, they need to be forced out before they cause more havoc.

"We are calling on Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and all security agencies to come to our aid as the rampant killings and attacks by cult groups operating in our area have made our lives miserable.”

Abiodun Ikuyajuowo, another resident of the community, said the cult gangs had since last month been clashing and inflicting injuries on innocent persons.

Ikuyajuowo, who explained that the cult fight was between the Eiye and Aye groups, said members of the confraternities were harming innocent residents in the process.

"Their fight started few month ago on the streets of Igbokoda, and they were chasing each other with different dangerous weapons.

"Although, I cannot really state what is the motive behind their fight but I think it is as a result of supremacy. They use all sort of weapons to attack and kill each other.

"We are calling on the police, army and navy to quickly wade into this situation and help us fish out these perpetrators and bring all of them to justice.”

Another resident, Banjo Eniola, described many of the cultists as hoodlums, who are 'children of politicians and businessmen' trying to disturb the peace and tranquility of Igbokoda.

Eniola explained how the boys display dangerous weapons in broad daylight, causing trouble without fear of being arrested by the police.

According to him, at least three people were feared dead in attacks by the gangs while several residents have been forced to abandon their houses.

He said, "At least I saw three boys that were killed yesterday by a group and it was a terrible scene.

"What is worrisome is that the activities of these cult gangs are no longer restricted to night alone, they now fight and kill in broad daylight.

"Some of my neighbours have left their houses to seek refuge in order not to be caught in the crossfire.

"Sadly, community leaders have appealed to the warring faction but they failed and continued their killing spree.”

A community leader, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the incessant cult killings and attacks in the area, adding that the issue would soon be addressed.

He said, “We are aware of the issue. Yesterday, a boy was murdered, the elders have taken up this issue and we shall all see the result soon.”

Spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Femi Joseph, did not respond to phone calls when contacted by SaharaReporters.

However, a Marine policeman, who asked not to be named, disclosed that some arrests had already been made in conjunction with the military. 

 

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CRIME Police