The Police in Kwara State have arrested 46 suspected cultists for alleged destruction and murder of a 36-year-old man in Ilorin. Police sources said the incident started at Ile-Film/Bolanta road in Ilorin where suspected cultists attacked and shot Adelodun Farouq, a 36-year-old resident of Eleran Compound.
The victim was said to have died and has since been buried in Islamic way.According to the Police’s statement, one Abubakar Gobir, a member of the Aiye confraternity, was involved in the crime.
“Later that evening, at about 8:00p.m., reports emerged of further cult activities in Ile-Alawo Compound, Centre, Igboro where some cultists assaulted Abdullahi Alao, a 35-year- old motorcyclist, with a machete cut to his head.
“Alao was subsequently taken to an unknown location by his younger brother led by detectives, while a thorough search of the area was conducted,” the statement added.
Confirming the development, spokesperson for the command, Ejire Adeyemi-Adetoun further stated that: “On April 14, another incident of criminal conspiracy involving suspected cultists was reported in various areas, including Baboko, Ile Onimago, Adabata and Eruda.
“Miscreants engaged in a violent free-for-all, using weapons such as broken bottles and stones, leading to the blockage of Baboko Road.
“Swift action was taken by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) “C” Division and six patrol teams, supported by men of the community policing, were mobilised to quell the disturbance.
“During the operation, 46 suspects were apprehended and handed over to the State Command Anti-Cultist Unit for further investigation,” she explained. She said 14 of the arrested 46 suspects have been linked to the recent cult activities in the Ilorin metropolis.Police said normalcy has since been restored to the affected areas with the barricaded roads cleared.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Victor Olaiya has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
