CRIME & COURT

Sagamu cult war claims 10 lives one month after gruesome killing of 8 persons

No fewer than 10 youths have been killed in clashes between rival cult groups in Sagamu, Ogun State. The killings come a month after a similar fracas claimed eight lives in the state capital, Abeokuta.

Residents of the town have been gripped with fear, due to the incessant mayhems among rivaling cult groups.

A resident of Sagamu, Shittu Jamiu, said in a report that many of the belligerent youths are familiar with one another.

He said: “One thing that surprised me most is that most of them are childhood friends, schoolmates, friends and brothers. But suddenly, in the name of cultism, they turned into enemies. Sagamu is a great town before cultism arrived.

“I could remember we used to go from one carnival to another every Sagamu Day celebration and even during December time. Unfortunately, there is nothing like that again.”

Governor Dapo Abiodun admitted that Sagamu has been notorious for cultism, calling on traditional rulers to help stem the tide of the menace.

Abiodun spoke at the thanksgiving service of the 20th coronation anniversary of the Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Oba Adewale Osiberu, held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Sagamu.

“Today, Sagamu has been notorious for cultism in Sagamu, and the Elepe and the Akarigbo have played a major part in helping us in stemming the tide of cultism. These are some of the things that our monarchs continue to do in assisting us in the building of our future together,” he said.

Our correspondent gathered that the state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, on Tuesday visited the area to assess the situation and bring the situation under control.

Abimbola Oyeyemi, the spokesperson for Ogun Police Command, said two of the cultists have been arrested.

He however failed to confirm the casualty toll.

Credit: Daily Trust

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