A cult clash has led to the death of no fewer than four persons in the Ilorin area of Kwara State.
Chronicle NG gathered that the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, when a group of armed hoodlums reportedly invaded a shanty bamboo bar located along the railway line and opened fire on people gathered at the spot before escaping.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the cult shooting in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, noting that operatives swiftly responded to the distress call and evacuated the victims to the police clinic for medical attention.
Adetoun stated, “Police operatives promptly responded to the distress call and rushed the victims to the police clinic. Regrettably, four of the victims were confirmed dead by medical personnel, while two others are currently receiving treatment.”
The police spokesperson revealed that preliminary investigations suggest that the attack was linked to cult activities, adding that two suspected members of a notorious cult group have already been arrested in connection with the incident.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident is cult-related; comprehensive investigations led to the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious and deadly cult group linked to the attack.
“The suspects are currently in custody and are providing useful information to assist ongoing investigations and facilitate the identification and apprehension of other members of the criminal gang,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson further revealed that tactical, intelligence, and covert assets had been deployed to track down all those connected to the crime, assuring residents that no effort would be spared in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“Tactical, intelligence, and covert assets have been fully mobilised to track down every individual connected to the crime, with a firm commitment that all suspects will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Adetoun added.
Speaking on the incident, the state commissioner of police, Ojo Adekimi, strongly condemned what he described as a senseless act of violence and criminality, stressing that the command views the attack as a serious threat to public peace and safety.
“The command views the incident as a grave threat to public peace and safety and will not relent until all those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Ojo said.
The command expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a swift recovery, while encouraging the public to remain calm and give genuine information that could benefit ongoing investigations.
