The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists following a violent clash between rival groups in the Onireke and Isashi areas of Badagry.
Spokesperson for the command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.
She said the suspects, aged between 28 and 43, were apprehended during a coordinated police operation that helped prevent further violence and restored calm to the affected communities.
“Police responded to a distress call around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, reporting a violent clash between rival cult groups in Onireke and Isashi,” Adebisi stated.
According to her, tactical teams and detectives swiftly arrived at the scene and rescued three victims, who were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
“Sadly, one of the victims was confirmed dead by a doctor at the Badagry General Hospital,” she added.
Following the incident, police conducted a raid in the area, leading to the arrest of five suspects allegedly involved in the attack and killing.
Items recovered during the operation include one locally-made pistol, two pump-action guns, 52 live cartridges, two expended cartridges, a Toyota Avalon (registration number KTU 610 JB), a laptop, mobile phones, and other weapons.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation, Adebisi said, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other cult members still at large. She also noted that patrols and surveillance in the area have been intensified to prevent reprisal attacks.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, commended the swift and professional response of the operatives involved in the operation.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to eradicating cultism and related criminal activities across the state.
The Commissioner urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
NAN
