Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested 20 suspected cultists over the killing of a police officer and other violent attacks in Ilesi, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The command’s spokesperson, Umma Ayuba, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday.
According to her, the incident happened on November 29 around 9:30 p.m. when suspected members of the Neo Black Movement, also known as the Aye Confraternity, stormed the Ilesi community in retaliation for an earlier assault on one of their members.
Ayuba explained that as the group moved through the area searching for rival cultists, their presence drew the attention of a police officer who lived nearby, along with some residents.
“Upon sighting them, the armed cultists opened fire, killing the officer instantly and injuring two residents. In a gruesome act, they also cut off the officer’s left hand and fled with it,” she stated.
She added that the Zonal Dragon Squad immediately launched an intelligence-driven operation, which led officers to a hideout in the Ogbere area of Ogun State.
“At about 12:00 a.m. on December 1, officers raided the location where the suspects were regrouping. The operation resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals linked to the attack and other offences, including unlawful possession of firearms,” she said.
Police also recovered several items during the raid, including a Nissan Micra car (KSH 793 XA), a double-barrelled short gun, a single-barrelled short gun, two locally made pistols, 29 live cartridges, 19 mobile phones, N72,000 cash, a wristwatch, three necklaces, and three ATM cards.
Ayuba noted that one suspect remains at large and is believed to be in possession of the late officer’s amputated hand.
ICYMI
She said security has been strengthened across the affected communities as investigations continue. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Adegoke Fayoade, urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.
“AIG Fayoade remains committed to ensuring that all those involved in these heinous crimes are brought to justice,” she said.
