The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during raids on criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital.
The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, announced the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, alleging that the suspects belonged to the Eiye Confraternity and were linked to a gang accused of terrorising residents around Mackay Junction in Osogbo.
According to the police, operatives also recovered suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash believed to be proceeds from drug-related activities during the operations.
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 alert and report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
He also warned youths against cultism, illicit drug use and criminal associations, stressing that participation in criminal activities could have serious consequences.
The command said the raids would continue across identified criminal hideouts in a bid to improve security in Osogbo and other parts of the state.
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 follow renewed concerns over cult-related violence in Osogbo.
PUNCH had earlier reported that two people died following clashes involving suspected rival cult groups in the state capital.
The incident reportedly occurred at a lounge in Owoeba, along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road, where unidentified assailants attacked the victims.
