Police launch manhunt for four cultists over fatal attack in Ogun
The Ogun State Police Command has begun a manhunt for four suspected cultists linked to a deadly attack that left a 44-year-old man dead in Atan-Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, was reportedly triggered by a clash between rival cult groups.
The victim, identified as Bashiru Saidu and suspected to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity, was shot in the head by four gunmen who stormed the area on two motorcycles.
Confirming the development on Monday, the spokesperson for the command, SP Omolola Odutola, said the police received a distress call around 10 p.m. and immediately responded to the scene.
“Four armed men, riding on two motorcycles, attacked and fatally shot one Bashiru Saidu, aged 44, along Bankole Onibukun Street, Atan-Ota,” Odutola stated. “Upon arrival, police operatives found the victim with a gunshot wound to the head.”
The victim’s body was taken to the State Hospital Mortuary in Ilaro for further examination.
In response, Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo deployed the Anti-Cultism Unit to track down and apprehend the suspects. Odutola emphasized the command’s zero tolerance for cult-related violence and reassured the public of its commitment to restoring peace across the state.
“The command strongly condemns all forms of cult violence and is determined to rid the state of such criminal elements,” she said.
Residents were urged to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
This incident follows the recent arrest of 14 suspected cultists in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, and the foiling of a kidnapping attempt in the Abigi area by the police.