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Tag: cult

  • Seven killed in Edo renewed cult war

    At least seven persons have been reportedly killed in parts of Edo State following renewed clashes among suspected rival cult groups.

    Last Saturday, a medicine store owner was killed on Igbei Street in Auchi, while a generator mechanic was killed in Etsako West Local Government Area.

    The killings caused chaos, which led to the deployment of a combined team of armed policemen and vigilantes to restore law and order in the affected areas.

    In Benin, the state capital, a technician, identified as Godbless Olitan, was reportedly killed by suspected cultists near Oliha Market.

    Eyewitnesses said his assailants drove a Toyota Camry car.

    The deceased was said to have received a call at home that a customer was waiting for him at his shop near the market.

    Four other persons were reportedly killed around Upper Uwa, Isiemwerho, between First and Second East Circular Road and at Uwhene Ugbague road axis of the city.

    Police spokesman Chidi Nwabuzor, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), could not be reached for comments last night.

  • Man in court over alleged cult membership

    A 20-year-old man, Akinwale Bayo, was on Tuesday arraigned in an Ota Magistrates’ Court, Ogun, for allegedly belonging to a secret cult.

    Bayo, who lives at No. 8 Tolani St. Ota, is standing trial on a three -count charge bordering on conspiracy, breach of peace and membership of unlawful society, to which he pleaded not guilty.

    The prosecutor, Sgt. Abdulkareem Mustapha, had told the court that the accused and others still at large, committed the offences on June 24, at about 2.30 a. m. at Sea Never Dry Hotel, Iju, Ota.

    He alleged that the accused and his accomplices, members of “Aiye Confraternity” launched an attack with dangerous weapon like axe on one Olabode Abiola.

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    The prosecutor also accused the defendant of causing breach of peace.

    .The offences contravened the provisions of Sections 5, 80, 88 (1) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

    Chief Magistrate Matthew Akinyemi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter until Aug. 2 for hearing.

  • Two killed in deadly Ebonyi rival cult clash

    At least two persons have been killed in deadly clash between rival cult groups in Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State.

    While one person, Anselem Ifeanyi Omah was killed on Tuesday evening, a second victim whose name was simply given as Paul was gunned down Wednesday night.

    Also in the aftermath of the shooting, at least 8 persons have been arrested in connection with the death of Anselem.

    Confirming the incident, Chairman of the Council, Clement Odah said the killing of Anselem is regretable as the area since he came into office have been relatively peaceful.

    Mr Odah who briefed journalists on Wednesday evening on the killing of Anselem before last night’s shooting of the second victim charged security agents to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the murder.

    “The subject matter of this press conference is because of the current diversion from the new Ohaukwu local government area. When we came in, we were confronted by two kinds of insecurity. One, is the external insecurity, that was the war between Ngbo in Ohaukwu local government area and Agila in Benue state”.

    “That one, to the glory of God has been settled once and for all by the coordinated efforts of the Governor of Ebonyi state, Engr. David Umahi through the inter-boundary committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe”, said the Chairman.

    “For more than two years now, we have not had any other problem from that axis and we have been enjoying peace. Second, is internal insecurity from some misguided youths who were deceived over time to believe there is something good in belonging to illegal societies”.

    “There are many of them but the most prominent is the bad society that is being chun out by our universities, that is cultism. I launched a decisive war against cultism from the first day I came in as the council chairman. It was difficult but by the Grace of God we succeeded”, he added.

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    The Chairman described the slain Anselem as a peaceful young man and blamed cultists in the area for his death.

    “Before yesterday, I had boasted in many fora that we have won the war against cultism and that was true because I refused to compromise. We have made it known that we have zero tolerance for cultism. So, for me, it was a shock when we heard around 10 to 11 that one of our sons was gunned down here in Ezzamgbo, his name is Anselem Ifeany Omah”.

    “It was a very big surprise and shock. But we swung into action immediately alerting and contacting security agents from the Divisional Police Officer and all other security agents including the neighborhood watch and the local vigilantes. While we bear the pain of that avoidable loss, we have certain consolation. That is to the fact that we made it clear to the security agents that this is one crime that must be investigated”.

    “We made it clear to security agents that we are not ready to mortgage the peace we enjoyed over two years now for anything. We made it clear that the Government of Engr. David Umahi is anchored on the platform of peace and we do not want to tolerate any other situation than absolute peace”.

    “All the culprits who are involved in that crime, over 50% of them have been arrested. As at the last count, 8 persons are in the police custody. I want to commend the DPO of Ohaukwu police division. The operation started immediately and in less than 10 hours, majority of the culprits were arrested. While their arrest were effected, a lot of illegal firearms with which these criminals operated with were recovered”.

    Mr Odah said all the suspects have been transferred to the State Headquarters Abakaliki.

    “All the culprits are now cooling off in the state headquarters. The matter is being handled currently in the Criminal Investigation Department,CID, and we will follow it up to ensure that the culprits are brought to book”, he said.

    Police spokesman in the state, Loveth Odah confirmed the story and the transfer of the suspects.

    She however promised to brief the media later on the incident.

  • Two killed as suspected cult members clash in Ondo

    Two persons were reportedly killed yesterday in Ondo town in clashes between suspected rival cult groups.

    Samson Oluwole Samson and Wale Ajayi were said to have been shot dead at Sabo and Orisunmibare.

    Though details of the killings were sketchy, it was learnt Samson was a suspected member of Eiye Confraternity.

    He was reportedly enjoying himself at a relaxation centre on Ayeyemi Street with  some friends when an argument broke out between them and members of a rival group.

    The late Samson, who was said to be a student of a higher institution, was reportedly trailed to Orisunmibare.

    He was reportedly shot at close range by unidentified persons.

    Another version of the story said Ajayi, a suspected member of Aye Confraternity and revenue collector, was also shot by unidentified persons about 6.30 a.m.

    The incident was said to have caused anxiety in the community.

    Traders and shop owners hurriedly closed.

    But normalcy returned to the area, following the arrival of policemen and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) .

    The body of the deceased was left in the pool of his blood, but a detachment of police officers from the Enuowa Division later evacuated it to a mortuary.

    A similar scenario was said to have played out at Sabo, where residents, who deserted the scene during the shooting, were seen discussing the development in groups.

    The Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) for Enuowa and Funbi-Fagun stations, Xpress Omoigui and Olu-Ojo Ogunmoyole, said three persons had been invited for questioning on the incidents.

    The police officers said those invited were helping the police to identify the culprits behind.

    They said the reports on the two incidents had been forwarded to the police command in Akure for further investigations.

  • 100 suspected Badoo cult group members arrested in Lagos

    100 suspected Badoo cult group members arrested in Lagos

    One hundred  suspected members of the dreaded cult group, Badoo who have been terrorizing residents of the State,  especially in the Ikorodu axis have been arrested.

    The suspects were arrested in a joint operation carried out by men of the Lagos State Police Command, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Odua People’s Congress (OPC), as well as local vigilantes including Onyabo in Ikorodu on Saturday.

    The team, in the operation which started early on Saturday morning , moved around Ikorodu and combed the suspected hideouts of the members of the gang from streets to streets.

    The combined security team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Lagos Police Command, Mr. Imohimi Edgal and the RRS Commander, ACP Olatunji Disu, specifically combed black spots and suspected areas like Ikorodu, Ibeshe, Ita Maja, Ijede, Ipakodo and other areas, arresting about 100 suspects for questioning.

    The exercise was a follow up to a meeting which the National Coordinator of Odua Peoples’ Congress, Chief Gani Adams and Onyabo leaders held with security chiefs in the State last Friday.

    Confirming the operation, Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Police Command, ASP Olarinde Famous–Cole said about 40 police and RRS vehicles were used for the operation, adding that the exercise was part of the ongoing efforts to rid the State of the activities of the dreaded cult group.

    “We can confirm the arrest of 100 suspected members of the dreaded cult group, Badoo and they are helping with ongoing investigation into the activities of the gang.

    “Government is on top of the situation and we like to use this medium to caution the people to desist from jungle justice.

    “We also like to assure residents that they are free to go about their normal activities without let or hindrance, as the police and other security agencies in the State are poised to make the State uncomfortable and hot for criminal elements to perpetrate their nefarious activities,” Famous–Cole said.

  • Four killed in cult clash

    Four persons were yesterday feared killed in a rival cult groups clash on Lagos Island.

    But the police said there was no such clash.

    The hoodlums destroyed properties and injured many road users in the skirmish that lasted over 30 minutes.

    It was gathered that the fight broke out during a football tournament.

    The affected areas included Pike, Forest, Hawley, Okesuna streets, Munday Lane, Igbosere Road and Sura Market.

    Lion Building’s Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Folashade Tanaruno, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), was said to have led some teams, including Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives to the scene.

    An eyewitness said: “It was a bloody clash between area boys. There was an argument and it led to a fight between the two gangs.

    “Some people were killed during the fight. Although I cannot confirm the number of people who died but I can tell you that the fight was bloody. The area boys were shooting everywhere. Shop owners hurriedly locked up and ran for their lives.”

    Contacted, the command spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) denied that there was such a clash.

    He said: “Area is calm on my confirmation with the officer on ground. Please discard the false alarm.”

  • Cult clash kills 2 in Rivers-Police

    The Rivers police command on Thursday confirmed the death of two persons during a clash between two rival cult groups at Ikokwu motor spare parts market in Port Harcourt.

    The command`s spokesman, Mr Nnamdi Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident took place on Wednesday.

    Omoni said during the shoot-out, some persons were wounded and had been taken to hospital for treatment.

    “ We have made some arrests and the tactical unit of the command is on top of the situation. The police have restored normalcy in the area.

    “ Investigation on the incident is on. The state police command  is working hard to get the perpetrators of the act.

    “ We also appeal to the public to give us useful information that will assist us fight crime,” he said

  • Two die in Auchi Poly cult clash

    Two students of the Federal Polytechnic at Auchi in Edo State were killed at the weekend in a cult clash at Auchi in Estako West Local Government Area.

    The clash reportedly occurred between members of the Black Axe and Vikings confraternities after the students completed their examination for this year’s academic session.

    It was learnt that quarrel started at a graduation party organised by an unidentified student on Thursday night.

    One of the victims was reportedly killed in front of Hartland Company, located on the Benin-Auchi-Okene Expressway, while the other died at the Sabo Quarters, an off-campus community of the polytechnic.

    Police Commissioner Haliru Gwandu, who confirmed the deaths, said two students suspected to have carried out the killings have been arrested.

    Gwandu said some cult members who were about to initiate new members last Saturday were arrested.

    He said: “Two persons died. The first Black Axe person killed a member of Vikings and a member of Vikings retaliated. We have apprehended the kingpins of the two cult groups and they are helping our investigations. The killings occurred outside the campus. We went to the off-campus and met them.”

    Gwandu added: “The Anti-Cult Unit (of the police command) mopped up some cult groups and recovered some pump action guns. Those cult groups were about to go on an initiation but luck ran out of them and they were apprehended.

    “On Auchi Polytechnic, it all started on November 26, when a member of the Black Axe cult group killed an opponent in Vikings. Like I always say at any conference, the students are living in the academic environment. They find that the security unit of the polytechnic or any institution has to raise the alarm to invite the police. It is only when we are invited that we enter the campus.

    “The standard practice is to make sure that sanity is restored or brought everywhere. So, when our men were invited, they took photographs of the scene and protected the people. The next thing was to gather intelligence about who masterminded the killings. Good enough, we were able to apprehend the person who masterminded the killings.

    “An axe was also recovered from him. It’s not only one person but on both sides. We were able to apprehend the kingpins of that rival cult-related madness. So, the matter is under investigation.

    “I would not want to mention names because it can halt the process of investigation. But as it is now, we have the kingpins of the Black Axe cult group and the Vikings cult group. They are helping the investigation. I am sure that by the middle of this week, we will be able to make more arrests and put sanity in the situation.”

  • Expectant mum killed, four injured in cult clash

    An expectant mother  was shot dead and four others were injured, at the weekend, during a cult clash at Ebute-Meta.

    It was gathered that the fight between the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities followed the killing of a member of one of the gangs.

    His colleagues were said to have gone after the other gang, wreaking havoc Jebba Street.

    The injured have been taken to hospital.

    It was gathered that the gang was planning another attack yesterday afternoon, before the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) for Ebute-Meta Station, Saheed Quadri, a Superintendent of Police (SP), received a tip-off and swooped on them.

    One of the gang members identified as Baba Jara was arrested at their hideout in Kano/Odunfa.

    It was learnt that there was jubilation over Jara’s arrest, by residents, who  described him as an armed robber and one of the late Sunday Terror’s strong men.

    Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, Superitendent, said the suspect was assiting with investigation.

    She said: “Yes, I confirm that at about 2:45pm on Friday, clues led the DPO to a notorious member of the gang. He was arrested at Kano/Odunfa, Ebute-Meta. The suspect was the gang’s armourer. He confessed to being a member of the late Sunday Terror’s gang. He also said that their gang led by one Itakun, shot five persons at Jebba Street, killing a woman. We shall not relent till we flush them out. Effort is ongoing to arrest the other members.”

  • Four killed in Rivers community’s cult war

    •Homes razed as council chief, monarch call for calm 

    Four persons were feared killed and several homes razed in a weekend attack among suspected rival cultists at Akporo-Sogho community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    The local government authority, which confirmed the clash, said suspected cultists were responsible for them.

    The chairman of the local government’s Caretaker Committee, Baridah Nsaanee, led a team of security agents, accompanied by the Bori Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Cletus Omuoke, during the inspection of the damage.

    Nsaanee urged the residents to remain calm and allow security agencies fish out the perpetrators.

    The CTC chairman warned that the amnesty the state government offered cultists would not shield them from prosecution, if they returned to crime.

    Also, the Paramount Ruler of Akporo-Sogho community, Abel Abalubu, urged the local government and the police to station security agencies in the community to forestall further killings.