Three arrested over deadly cult clash in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of three suspected cultists allegedly connected with the deadly clash between two rival cult groups at Budo-Oke in Eiyenkorin area of the state.

One person was killed while two buildings were burnt down as the hoodlums prevented residents from salvaging the property after setting it ablaze.

The suspects, according to the spokeswoman of the command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi (DSP), are Suleiman Ismail, Mamud Ibrahim and Mudashir Saeed. They were allegedly in possession of a dane gun at the time of their arrest.

She said operatives had intensified efforts to apprehend other suspects.

Giving the police account of the incident, Toun said, “On 30th April, 2024 at about 0130 hours, an altercation erupted between two suspected cultists identified as Adams Isah (Number One) and Rasaq Olorunwa, both 28 years old.

“The altercation escalated, resulting in Rasaq Olorunwa stabbing Adams Isah in the chest with a knife and he was immediately rushed to the General Hospital in Ilorin for medical attention.

“Tragically, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital by a medical doctor. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting an autopsy.

“Following this incident, suspected members of the same cult group as the victim became violent, disturbing the peace of the public in a bid to avenge the death of their leader. The police tactical teams of the command swiftly responded and apprehended three suspects at the scene of the crime.”

She added that the suspects had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Ilorin, for further investigation, while a manhunt had been launched to track down Olorunwa and other culprits involved in the crime.

She said the Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, asserted that membership of any cult group “is a serious criminal offence under the law” and assured the public that normalcy had been restored to the area, while stringent efforts were underway to ensure justice is served.