The Osun State Police Command has arrested ten suspects in connection with a brutal ritual attack and cult-related activities across the state.
According to a statement by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, the arrests were made following two separate incidents in Ikire and Iree.
In the first case, eight people were arrested for the attempted ritual killing of a 16-year-old boy, Faruq Abudu, in the Arademi area of Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
Police said Faruq had gone to cut grass with two others, Ismail Abiodun and Usman Ademola, both aged 22, when he was lured into a bush, attacked, and his scrotum was removed. The boy, however, raised an alarm before he could be killed, and was rushed to a hospital, then later referred to the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The suspects arrested in connection with the attack include: Ismail Abiodun, Usman Ademola, Ronke Akinwale, Fatai Abiodun, Fatai Sikiru, Tawa Inakonko, Idowu Adesina, and Awotunde Saudat.
In a separate operation, the Anti-Cultism Unit arrested two young men Michael Temiloluwa and Odunayo Joshua, both aged 22 for alleged involvement in cult activities. The suspects, according to police, confessed to being members of the Eiye confraternity, operating from the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.
Police said the arrests followed a tip-off from a concerned resident who saw the suspected cultists around the Polytechnic junction.
All the suspects remain in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The police said they will be charged to court once investigations are complete.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
