Two students were left hospitalised following a violent clash between rival cult groups in Iree, Osun State. At the same time, police operatives have confirmed the arrest of six suspects linked to the disturbance.
The Osun State Police Command, in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the incident, which occurred on September 8, threw academic activities into disarray after suspected cultists stormed the campus and exchanged gunfire.
According to Ojelabi, officers from the Anti-Cultism Unit moved in swiftly on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, leading to the arrest of three suspects at the scene. Three more were picked up the following day during follow-up operations.
The police identified the suspects as Johnson Olagoke, Oluwadamilare Temitope, Ayodeji John, Adepoju Adesoji, Yusuf Abeeb, Fatai Quadri, and Lateef Abiodun.
While the injured students are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, the command assured that all suspects would be charged in court once investigations are concluded.
In a related development, Ojelabi disclosed that operatives also arrested a robbery suspect, Johnson Olagoke, in Ile-Ife for allegedly masterminding coordinated attacks on commercial motorcycle operators. His accomplices are said to be on the run.
Narrating how the suspect’s gang operated, the police said riders were lured into ambush spots where they were attacked, beaten, and dispossessed of their motorcycles, cash and phones. Two Boxer motorcycles, with registration numbers KJA 543 and BDG 556 QN, were recovered during investigations.
The police further revealed that two motorcyclists had earlier reported cases on August 16 and 18 after being brutally assaulted and left unconscious, with one losing N17,850, a Tecno phone, and a handbag, while the other was defrauded of N5,000 before being attacked and robbed of his motorcycle, a Tecno Spark 9F, and N10,650.
Ojelabi stressed that discreet investigations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led to Olagoke’s arrest and recovery of the stolen items. He assured that the police were intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.
The command reiterated its commitment to clamping down on cultism and violent crimes across Osun State, urging students and residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies.
