Police catch two suspected cultists with gun and axe in Osun

The Osun State Police has arrested two suspected cult members in Ede North Local Government Area. They recovered a locally made gun, a yellow battle axe, and some suspected charms during the operation.

The police also arrested 14 other suspects in another raid targeting known criminal hideouts across Osogbo.

DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Police Public Relations Officer, shared this news in a statement in Osogbo on Friday.

Ojelabi explained that the first incident happened after a distress call came in on October 19 around 12:30 pm. The call reported an attack by suspected cultists on Laoye Street in Ede North.

This attack caused fear and threatened public safety in the area, leading the police to send detectives to the scene.

When the operatives arrived, they faced an ambush from the armed cultists. Ojelabi said, "Upon arrival, the operatives were ambushed and opened fire on by the suspected armed cultists. However, the officers responded professionally, repelled the attackers and successfully arrested one suspect found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size gun."

He added that the suspect had a minor gunshot injury on his right thigh and received immediate medical attention.

The police spokesperson said the suspect admitted to being part of the Aye cult group during questioning. He mentioned that another suspect was arrested after a search of the crime scene.

"During a search of the already cordoned-off crime scene, another suspect was arrested with a yellow battle axe and some suspected charms. The suspect also confessed to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity during interrogation," Ojelabi said.

He noted that the police are working hard to catch other members of the suspected cult groups and to recover more weapons they might have.

In the second operation in Osogbo, Ojelabi stated that 14 suspects were arrested during planned raids on known criminal spots.

He listed the areas raided as Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie, and Orisunmibare.

Initially, 37 people were arrested, but 23 were later released after profiling. Ojelabi said the remaining suspects were linked to crimes like extortion, thuggery, drug-related activities, and actions that could scare residents.

"The suspects have all been charged to court," he mentioned.

Ojelabi reaffirmed the police's commitment to fighting cultism, illegal gun possession, and other violent crimes. He cautioned residents to avoid actions that could harm lives and disrupt peace.

He also urged everyone to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through police emergency lines.