Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that one person died and five suspects were arrested following a violent clash between rival cult groups in the Onireke and Isashi communities of Badagry, Lagos State.
The clash, which occurred late Saturday night, was quickly brought under control by police operatives who responded promptly to a distress call. The police also recovered a cache of weapons and other items from the suspects during the operation.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos that the suspects, aged between 28 and 43, were apprehended after a coordinated effort by tactical teams and detectives.
According to SP Adebisi, the incident happened at about 10:00 p.m. when a distress call was made reporting a violent confrontation between rival cult groups in the Onireke and Isashi areas of Badagry.
Upon receiving the call, the police quickly deployed officers to the scene, where they found three injured victims. The injured were immediately taken to the Badagry General Hospital for emergency treatment.
Unfortunately, one of the victims later died, as confirmed by a doctor on duty at the hospital. The police are still investigating the cause of death.
During the operation, officers arrested five suspects believed to have been involved in the violent clash. The suspects are now in police custody and will be charged to court once the investigations are complete.
Items recovered from the suspects include a locally made pistol, two pump-action guns, 52 live cartridges, two used cartridges, a Toyota Avalon car with registration number KTU 610 JB, a laptop, mobile phones, and other dangerous weapons.
The police command has assured residents of increased security patrols and surveillance in the affected communities to prevent any further violence or reprisals.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised the quick and professional response of the police officers involved in stopping the violence and restoring peace to the area.
He also reassured the public of the command’s commitment to tackling cultism and all forms of violent crime in Lagos State. CP Jimoh urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Cultism, often linked to secret societies and youth gangs, has been a major security challenge in many parts of Nigeria, including Lagos State. Rival cult groups frequently clash over territorial control, which sometimes leads to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Badagry, located on the outskirts of Lagos, has in recent years seen an increase in cult-related violence, causing fear among residents and disrupting community peace.
The Lagos State Police Command, together with other security agencies, has intensified efforts to combat cultism through arrests, community policing, and increased patrols.
Residents of Badagry and other affected communities have called on the government and security forces to do more to protect innocent citizens and bring an end to cult violence.
The recent arrest of the five suspects and recovery of weapons are seen as a step forward in the fight against cultism in the area.
The police have reiterated their call for community cooperation to help rid the state of cultism and ensure a safer environment for all residents.
