19 in police custody over cult war in Lagos community

About 19 people have been taken into custody over the violence that erupted at the weekend at Ijegun, between rival members of two cult gangs in the area.

Daily Trust learnt that two persons allegedly lost their lives during the three-day clash, while a yet-to-be ascertained number of persons sustained serious injuries.

One source said that the clash might not be unconnected with the battle for supremacy between the rival Aiye and Eye cult gangs, while another said it was an internal war for control among Aiye leaders as election campaigns approach.

It took the intervention of the police at the Isheri Oshun division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Superintendent Rafiu Akilade, to quell the crisis and bring it under control.

It was gathered that the arrested cult leader provided the police the needed information which led to the arrest of the other suspects including the ones arrested by the police at Isheri-Oshun Division.

Some of the suspects were identified as Jonathan Okonkwo, Aliu Ogida, Samson Adeyemi, Osi Wisdom and Onifade Olayide.

The arrest was confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Chike Oti, who said that FSARS operatives have since taken over the investigation to bring the culprits to book.