The Kwara State Police Command said that it had arrested 46 suspects allegedly terrorising the people in various areas of Ilorin, the state capital.
The command, in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, said that the suspects were arrested following a report of them causing disturbances in some black spots in the metropolis at the weekend.
She said that some suspected cult members allegedly killed one Adelodun Farouq at Film House/Bolanta area in Ilorin West Local Government Area on Saturday while another person identified as Abdullahi Alao, an Okada rider, was assaulted and injured by the suspected cult members on Sunday.
She said some miscreants also engaged in a free-for-all in various areas, including Baboko, Ile Onimago, Adabata, and other areas where the police arrested them.
The statement read, “In the early hours of April 13, 2024, a disturbing incident of culpable homicide occurred at Ile-Film/Bolanta road in Ilorin. Suspected cultists attacked and fatally shot one Adelodun Farouq, a 36-year-old resident of Eleran Compound. The victim was buried according to Islamic rites without the knowledge of the police. Preliminary investigations indicate that one Abubakar Gobir, a member of the Ayee confraternity, was involved in the crime.
“Later that evening, at about 2000hrs, reports emerged of further cult activities in Ile-Alawo Compound, Centre Igboro. Unidentified cultists assaulted Abdullahi Alao, a 35-year-old motorcycle rider, with a machete cut to his head. Alao was subsequently taken to an unknown location by his younger brother. led by detectives, initiated a thorough search of the area.
“On April 14, 2024, 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 confrontation; a free-for-all combat, using weapons such as broken bottles and stones, leading to the blockage of Baboko Road.
“Swift action was taken by the DPO C Division, and six patrol teams, supported by men of the community policing were mobilized to quell the disturbance.
“During the operation, 46 suspects were apprehended and handed over to the State Command Anti-Cultist Unit for further investigation. 14 out of the 46 suspects arrested have been linked to the recent cult activities in the Ilorin metropolis.”
Ejire-Adeyemi said that normalcy has since been restored to the affected areas, the road barricades have been cleared, and residents are able to resume their daily activities.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly,” the statement added.
