Metro

Six Feared Killed In Osun Cult Clashes

Published

2 years ago

February 8, 2024

Editor

There have been multiple fatalities in the recent clashes between rival fraternities in Ilesa, Osun State, with as many as six people reportedly killed.

According to security sources, the killings took place in different locations in Ilesa and Osu towns between late Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

The state police command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that casualties were recorded during clashes involving cult groups.

She was, however, silent on the casualty figure, saying, “For security reasons, we will not give a figure. A rival group may be claiming that it has suffered more casualty than the other group, which may escalate the crisis. We have beefed up security in the affected areas.”

When asked for confirmation of claims that innocent residents were hit during the clashes, Opalola said she was unaware of such claims but promised to investigate them.

Providing insight into the killings, a reliable security source, who pleaded anonymity, said three people were killed late on Tuesday in Ikoti, Ifofin, and Omiayo areas of Ilesa by armed men suspected to be members of the Aye cult group.

In retaliation, members of the Eye Confraternity reportedly mobilised and stormed a farm in Osu, where three people were killed in a farm, according to The PUNCH.

The source said, “Three people died Tuesday night, but another three were killed in Osu Wednesday evening. Those behind the last killing, retaliated the Tuesday killing.

“The clashes involved Eye and Aye cult group. Aye was the first to attack members of the Eye Confraternity. Eye retaliated on Wednesday, as Aye were also killed in Osu. Tuesday killing took place in Ikoti, Omiayo and Ifofin area.”

Metro

BREAKING: Bodies Of 8 Missing Policemen Recovered In Benue

Published

23 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Editor

Lifeless bodies of the eight policemen who were declared missing after a deadly attack on security operatives at Agu Centre, on the border of Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue State, have been recovered.

Dr Justin Shaku, Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA disclosed this to reporters in Makurdi on Monday.

According to him, “this brings the number of officers killed to 11 (10 policemen and one BSCPG)”.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday, when a team of security operatives came under the attack of armed invaders.

Three personnel were immediately confirmed dead while eight others were declared missing.

Metro

Police Arrest Three Kidnappers Over ₦6.9m Ransom, Victim’s Murder

Published

24 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested three suspected kidnappers who allegedly killed one of their victims after collecting N6.9 million ransom.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed this in a statement issued on Monday.

Iringe-Koko identified the suspects as Hassan Mohammed (20) of Wandigah Town, Mandagali, Borno State; Bello Abubakar (25) of Roundabout Maura, Sokoto State; and Yusuf Ahmed (23) of Hazari LGA, Bauchi State.

She said the arrests followed an investigation into the abduction of Humphrey Wagbara of Igwuruta-Atali.

According to the PPRO, the suspects also kidnapped one Mercy Chinyere on September 12, 2025, at the same location, where they also collected a ransom of N3,500,000 before releasing her.

The statement read, “On 26th August, 2025, the Rivers State Police Command received a distressing report, suggesting the kidnapping of one Humphrey Wagbara, m of Igwuruta-Atali.

“Operatives of the Command attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annexe, acting on this information and in a daring and coordinated operation on 19th September, 2025, at about 0200hrs arrested three suspects at different locations in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of the State in connection with the kidnapping of the victim.”

Iringe-Koko said during interrogation, the suspects voluntarily confessed to their involvement in multiple kidnappings in the State.

Among their past kidnappings are those of Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube on September 24, 2025, at School Road, Igwuruta-Atali, where they collected a ransom of N6,900,000 before killing the victim.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one G-3 rifle with Breech Number 10398, one magazine, one Itel phone belonging to Humphrey Wagbara, a kidnapped victim, three short daggers, one jack knife and one stainless short knife,” Rivers police imagemaker said.

Iringe-Koko added that the suspects and exhibits remain in police custody while detectives track other fleeing members of the syndicate and search for additional weapons.

The Command said it arrested a 48-year-old man, Emmanuel George, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl (name withheld) in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

According to Iringe-Koko, George committed the offence on September 6, 2025, after luring the minor while she was sent on an errand by her aunt.