The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected cult members following a violent clash between rival groups in the Onireke and Isashi areas of Badagry.
Spokesperson for the command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Sunday, noting that the suspects, aged between 28 and 43, were apprehended during a swift operation that restored calm to the affected communities.
“Police responded to a distress call around 10 p.m. on Saturday, reporting a clash between rival cult groups in Onireke and Isashi,” Adebisi said.
According to her, tactical teams and detectives were immediately deployed to the scene, where three injured victims were rescued and rushed to the hospital.
Unfortunately, one of them was confirmed dead by a doctor at the Badagry General Hospital.
Adebisi added that the police carried out a raid in the area, which led to the arrest of five suspects allegedly involved in the attack. Items recovered from the scene included one locally made pistol, two pump-action guns, 52 live cartridges, two expended cartridges, a Toyota Avalon with registration number KTU 610 JB, a laptop, mobile phones, and other dangerous weapons.
She stated that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the cult groups.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism during the operation.
Jimoh reiterated the command’s commitment to eradicating cultism and related crimes across Lagos State, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.