A fresh outbreak of cult violence has claimed the lives of a police officer and another individual in the Ilese community of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Residents said the incident occurred late Saturday when armed members of rival cult groups stormed the neighbourhood and began shooting sporadically, sending residents fleeing for safety.
According to a community source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, the confrontation involved operatives of the Aiye and Eiye confraternities.
“Tragedy struck around 10 p.m. at Ilese. Two people were killed in what appeared to be a clash between Aiye and Eiye cult groups.
“One of those killed was a police officer attached to the Obalende Division in Ijebu-Ode. He was known as Olamilekan.
“The second victim has not yet been identified. The gunmen arrived shooting repeatedly, throwing the entire community into panic,” the source said.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, said the command had been informed of the incident and was working to establish the full circumstances.
“I can confirm that a police officer was one of the victims. I am awaiting comprehensive information on what transpired,” he said.
Security operatives have since been deployed to the area while investigations continue to uncover those responsible for the deadly clash.