Reports monitored online on Vaguard, Daily Post and others say Sagamu residents are living in fear as clashes between the Eiye and Aiye confraternities have led to the deaths of approximately 20 young men, including secondary school students. The clashes began on Friday, causing tension in the town, with people afraid of being caught in the crossfire.
The violence has occurred in areas such as Agbowa behind Ewusi Palace, Makun, Ijagba, Ajaka, Isale Oko, and Sabo. Some victims were innocent bystanders, including three secondary school students killed while getting their hair cut and four individuals killed in a house where the intended target was absent.
The reasons behind the clashes remain unclear, and residents are calling for stricter measures against the culprits, including not allowing them back into the town after any potential arrest. Concerns have also been raised about the increasing drug presence in the town, suggesting a need for government intervention in that aspect as well.
Police Account
Reacting to the cult killings in Sagamu, the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that addressing the issue goes beyond deploying an anti-cultism squad. He called for collective efforts from the community, elders, politicians, and law enforcement to tackle the problem.
Adejobi suggested that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Alamutu, should investigate reports that some residents are aware of the identities of the cultists and that they may have ties to security agents. He emphasized the importance of not compromising with those involved in cult activities.
Adejobi also noted that many of the individuals causing trouble in Sagamu may not be residents of the town and suggested that the problem requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.
The spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the deployment of police to the troubled areas but did not specify the exact number of casualties in the cult clashes.
