Pandemonium on Saturday erupted in Abeokuta, Ogun State following the killing of a betting agent identified as Abiodun Anuoluwapo by a trigger-happy police officer late Friday night.

It was gathered that Anuoluwapo, a graduate of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, operated a Bet9ja shop in front of a popular hotel, First Point, in the Imala area of Abeokuta, and was closing his shop for the day when he was gunned down.

An eyewitness, who spoke under the condition of anonymity alleged that the officers who emerged from the hotel were drunk before one of them released the bullet.

Another eyewitness reported that the officers were either on a raid or chasing a suspect when one of them accidentally killed Anuoluwa, popularly called Pepe, who was in front of his shop.

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It was further gathered that the officers immediately escaped into the hotel and called for backup before they later escaped from the hotel, about three hours later.

The eyewitnesses further revealed that the officers and the backup shot sporadically to pave way for their escape from the scene.

“The guy owned a shop opposite the hotel. The police were chasing someone or on raid and there was accidental discharge, the stray bullet hit the guy and the guy died immediately

“The youth in the area tried to hold down the policemen and they ran into the hotel. They had to reinforce to get more police to come to rescue them before they were able to run away later around past 11pm. The incident happened around 8pm.

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“As they were trying to disperse the protesting youths, they kept shooting a lot of guns. In fact, fear gripped everybody. More youths were also hit by guns but they survived it. One of the survivors name is Hassan, he also has a shop nearby,” an eye witness said.

They also accused police officers of coming to the area and the popular hotel to drink beer.

Contacted, Omolola Odutola, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident.

She however added that the State Commissioner of Police has made contacts with all stakeholders involved to start investigation.

“We have gotten the information that one Aanu was a victim, it is not easy to say exactly what happened but the CP is in touch with the stakeholders. He has called everybody involved so that we can start investigating what happened. We are aware, we have been informed, but we are still deliberating on the matter,” she said.

Residents of Osogbo the Osun State capital were thrown into confusion after a man jumped into Osun river after he was allegedly harassed by some groups of hoodlums.

It was gathered that the hoodlums had beaten the man identified as Femi Apatanku over a yet-to-be-known matter after which he left the scene to the Gbodofon bridge where he jumped inside the Osun river, which is less than 200 meters away.

An eyewitness Sikiru Yusuf claimed the incident occurred around 10:30am on Saturday causing confusion around the area.

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He said: “Femi jumped into the river, he kept saying that a group of gang members had beaten him mercilessly at Finger Licking area adjacent Gbodofon bridge where he jumped inside the river.”

Osun Civil Defence Corps spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, confirmed the incident.

He said: “The body of the said man has not been recovered but efforts are ongoing.”

The police have raised an alarm over possible mass secret cult initiation nationwide.

A spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Titled, ‘Planned Cult Celebration By The Neo Black Movement, Aka Aiye Or Black Axe,’ Iringe-Koko alerted the public to the alleged planned mass Founder’s Day celebration of the suspected cult group which is believed to be planned for Sunday, 7th July.

“The event, code-named AIYE Day or 7/7 is meant to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in higher institutions of learning,” the statement read.

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“The Command is aware of the antecedents of the Neo-Black movement, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes and excessive violent conduct among other criminal actions.

“We estimate that the annual AIYE DAY celebration will likely be held in the cult group’s dens and strongholds, especially in tertiary campuses nationwide. Also, the ceremony may likely avail opportunities for counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions within Rivers State.

“Furthermore, it might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims and other acts such as rape and armed robbery.”

See the press statement below:

PLANNED CULT CELEBRATION BY THE NEO BLACK MOVEMENT, AKA AIYE OR BLACK AXE

The Rivers State Police Command has received information about a nationwide celebration of the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) scheduled for July 7, 2024. The confraternity, also known as Aiye or Black Axe, intends to have this event as a commemoration of their Founder’s Day.

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The event, code-named AIYE Day or 7/7 is meant to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in higher institutions of learning.

The Command is aware of the antecedents of the Neo-Black movement, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes and excessive violent conduct among other criminal actions.

We estimate that the annual AIYE DAY celebration will likely be held in the cult group’s dens and strongholds, especially in tertiary campuses nationwide. Also, the ceremony may likely avail opportunities for counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions within Rivers State. Furthermore, it might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims and other acts such as rape and armed robbery.

Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc , has directed all Area Commanders, DPOS and Tactical team commanders to carry out pre-emptive and response raids in all identified cult hideouts, blackspots and hotels that may be used as meeting points by the cult leaders, to ensure that the planned AIYE DAY celebration does not hold within their AORS, and that suspected cult members are arrested and made to face the law.

Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical team commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies with close monitoring of all higher educational institution campuses, and public places across their AORS, to intercept cult members and frustrate their purpose.

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Higher institutions of learning be advised to increase security measures and maintain strict supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Educators and school Administrators should be observant of unusual gatherings or activities among students in their institutions.

Parents and guardians should watch keenly over their children and wards during this period and look out for any warning signs in the content of their interaction with friends.

Community leaders are advised to be aware of possible gatherings or unusual activities in their area. They and local security outfits should synergize and remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities at the closest Police Station.

Religious leaders should sermonize their congregants on the evil of secret cultism.

The Command remains purposeful in carrying out our duty of maintaining law and order whilst protecting lives and property. We will not relent in dealing decisively with any person or group intent on disturbing the peace that we have assiduously worked to achieve.

SP GRACE IRINGE KOKO (ANIPR),

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND