The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during raids on identified criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital.
The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the suspects were allegedly members of the Eiye Confraternity and linked to a gang accused of terrorising residents around the Mackay Junction area of the town.
He said operatives recovered suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash believed to be proceeds of drug-related activities during the raids.
The statement read, “The Osun State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following targeted, intelligence-led raids on identified black spots and criminal hideouts across Osogbo, in compliance with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan Zungura.
“During the operations, some suspected cultists were arrested. They are: Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are allegedly members of the Eiye Confraternity and are suspected to be part of a notorious criminal gang responsible for terrorising residents and members of the public around the Mackay Junction area of Osogbo.”
The Commissioner of Police 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 statement added, “The raids will continue across identified black spots and criminal hideouts until criminal elements are flushed out and lasting peace and security are sustained in Osogbo and other parts of Osun State.
“The command remains committed to protecting lives and property and urges members of the public to cooperate with the police in the collective fight against crime.”
The arrests came amid renewed concerns over cult-related violence in Osogbo.
PUNCH Metro had earlier reported that two people were confirmed dead by the police 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.