News
2 Die In Ikorodu Cultists Clash, 21 Arrested
No fewer than 21 suspected cult members of two rival groups, Eiye and Aiye confraternities, in Ikorodu area of Lagos, have been arrested after a clash that left two persons dead and many injured.
Sources told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that different weapons, including guns, machetes and charms, were freely used by the groups in Isikalu palace and Solomade areas of Ikorodu during the clash, which resulted in disturbance of public order.
It was learnt that due to the clash which started on Thursday night and continued till Friday, many residents of the areas were unable to go to work or open their business centres until the Anti-Cultism police, led by their commander, CSP Uduak Udom came to the scene.
“The situation is under control now as policemen deployed have taken over strategic points in the areas, while the 21 arrested suspects have been taken to the Anti-cultism unit for investigations.
“ Suspects in custody have made useful statement to help the anti-cultism unit in its clamp down on cult groups, particularly in Ikorodu,” a source told NAN.
Contacted, the spokesman for the command, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest, stressing that the Police arrested the most wanted cult leader among other suspects.
According to Elkana, at about 10pm on Thursday, Police received a distress call that some cult members from two rival groups engaged themselves in a supremacy battle along Isikalu palace and Solomade area, Ikorodu.
He said the Command’s Anti Cultism Unit and patrol teams from Ikorodu were promptly drafted to the scene.
According to him, the leader of one of the gangs, who has been on the wanted list of the Command, Yusuf Omidele, popularly known as General, was arrested along with 20 others.
“General was charged to Court on several occasions and sentenced to prison. He completed his last sentence in 2014 and has become an Elder-in- Council in Eiye Confraternity.
“ He led his gang in a reprisal attack on the members of Aiye confratanity, whom they alleged had killed the wife of one of their leaders some weeks ago.
“The suspects arrested belong to both Aiye and Eiye confraternity and have all confessed to belong to secret societies. Two cultists died from the cult clash and six others were injured.
“The massive onslaught launched by the Command on cultists and gangsters is a continuous operation with a view to arresting other fleeing members of the gangs.
“Four locally made pistols, eight machetes and three daggers were recovered,” he said.
The spokesman said the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr Zubairu Muazu, met with the stakeholders with a view to proffering a lasting solution to youth gangsterism and involvement of teenagers and underage persons in cult activities, especially at Ikorodu area.
He said that the CP solicited their support in the fight against the menace of cultism and gangsterism in Ikorodu.
NAN learnt that there was another clash between Aiye cult group members at Iponri area of Surulere, on Wednesday, in which one Azu was reportedly stabbed to death.
NAN gathered that the members had a clash at Ike-Olu area of Iponri over an unresolved issue amongst themselves.
Shettima, in a statement on Saturday, described the incident as a heinous act of terrorism against innocent civilians.
The Vice President called on relevant agencies to intensify probes into the incident and ensure that victims and families of the deceased receive urgent support.
The former Borno State governor, who sympathized with the families of the victims and the people of Borno, expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
According to him, the Federal Government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that those responsible for the despicable act face the full weight of the law.
“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence.
”The government stands with them in this difficult time and will provide all necessary support.
“The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, remains committed to restoring lasting peace and security to the Northeast and all parts of Nigeria.
“We will not allow our enemies to undermine the progress we have made in degrading their capabilities,” Shettima said.
The Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
According to Umar, the misconduct was detected through the automated passport application system operated by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing inter-agency cooperation.
“The Service wishes to clarify that this misconduct was uncovered a fortnight ago through reforms introduced in the NIS, which flagged the irregularity.
“This particularly speaks to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation.
“The implicated officers were suspended by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of disciplinary measures, ” he said.
The NCoS spokesman quoted the Controller General of Corrections, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, as reaffirming the Service’s commitment to discipline, transparency and professionalism across all custodial facilities nationwide.
According to him, the Service is committed to its core mandates of secure custody, humane treatment and the reformation of inmates in line with international standards.
“The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system,” he warned.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Saturday after the weekly state executive council meeting. It was gathered that the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa presided over the meeting.
Ajulo said the proposal would soon be transmitted to the state House of Assembly for necessary legislative action.
He said, ” Kidnapping and cultism have become major threats to safety and public order and strengthening relevant legal frameworks would help deter such crimes and improve the overall security landscape.
” The proposals would soon be transmitted to the House of Assembly for necessary legislative action, including sentencing convicted kidnappers to death.”
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, revealed that the Executive Council approved the construction of two major dual-carriageway road projects in the state.
According to him, the first is the construction of a 24.75-kilometre dual carriageway from Ugbeyin Junction – Okitipupa Market – OAUSTECH – Ugbonla Junction – Igbokoda Jetty.
“The road will feature a 9.3-metre wide carriageway on both sides, a 1.2-metre median, concrete line drains, walkways, asphaltic shoulders in undeveloped areas, a 3-metre utility area, and solar-powered streetlights along the median. The entire road corridor is 28 metres wide, with a total right of way of 40 metres. It will also include modern traffic lights at critical intersections and is designed to carry heavy traffic with a reinforced pavement structure.
” The second project is the construction of a 6.7-kilometre dual carriageway from Supare Junction – Akungba – Ikare Road in Akoko area of the state. The specifications are similar, including a 9.3-metre carriageway on either side, 1.2-metre median, reinforced concrete line drains, walkways, a 3-metre utility area, solar-powered streetlights, and traffic management systems. It is also built to withstand heavy vehicular movement.
“In addition to these, the council approved the provision and installation of 6,000 standalone solar streetlights across the three senatorial districts—2,000 each for Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South. This is part of the state’s agenda to improve safety and public lighting infrastructure.
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