Ogun Community Under Tension as Policeman Dies in Cult War
A suspected clash between rival cult groups has claimed the lives of an officer of the Nigeria Police Force and one unidentified man in the Ilese area of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Naija News understands that the violence broke out around 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, when suspected cultists stormed the community and began shooting indiscriminately.
A resident, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident, said members of the Aiye and Eiye confraternities were believed to be involved in the confrontation.
The source said the gunmen killed a serving police officer identified as Olamilekan, attached to the Obalende Division in Ijebu-Ode, and another man whose identity had yet to be established.
He added, “Tragedy struck last night around 10 p.m. at Ilese via Ijebu-Ode, as two individuals were killed in a suspected cult clash between Aye and Eiye confraternities.
“One of the victims is a police officer serving at Obalende Division, Ijebu-Ode. He is known as Olamilekan, while the second person was unknown. They were shooting sporadically when they stormed the area and left residents in panic.”
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the attack when contacted on Sunday but said he was still awaiting a full briefing.
He said, “I can confirm that a police officer was a victim in the incident. I am still waiting for the details of what really happened.”
The killing adds to a growing list of recent violent assaults on security personnel.
Recently, a police officer on duty was stabbed to death by suspected thugs in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Sources who spoke to Leadership disclosed that the deceased was attacked and stabbed near the Arakale area following an altercation with the assailants.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ondo Command, Olushola Ayanlade, who confirmed the incident, explained that contrary to reports on social media, the incident occurred earlier on Wednesday.
Ayanlade explained that while the deceased officer was performing his lawful duties in the early morning hours, he encountered a group of individuals who were described as uncooperative and belligerent.
According to him, “What started as a routine engagement quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. The officer was stabbed by one of the assailants and suffered critical injuries. An emergency response was immediately activated.
“Police operatives were deployed to the scene to restore order and apprehend the attackers.”
He disclosed that two suspects, Shina Jacob, 25 years and a 32-year-old Felix Olalekan, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The injured officer, who was immediately rushed to the hospital, later died despite efforts to save him.
The PPRO, who described the death as a painful loss to the police Command, emphasised that the officer died in the line of duty while protecting lives and property.
He, however, assured the public that the investigation was ongoing and that the suspects would be charged in court upon its conclusion.