by Akan Ido

The police in Ogun state have reportedly arrested about 40 people in connection with the recent cult clashes which saw the death of six people within a space of two weeks.

Among those arrested yesterday were students of the Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE) and some indigenes of the community in Omu Ijebu, Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.

One of the executive members of the Students Union Government, SUG, who prefered anonymity said the police arrested people from their various houses.

“It was like we are watching a film as the policemen who came in three Hilux vans stormed the town and started arresting everybody.

“Many of our students have been arrested and also some indigenes were picked.Everybody just had to run as we don’t know what actually happened.

“We are having our examination now and the fate of those arrested is not known for now. We are appealing to those concerned to help us to mediate in the matter”,the exco member pleaded.

Read the PM News report below:

On why the police came to make arrests in Omu, he explained:

“What I heard from some people was that some of the cultists who have been fighting and killing themselves in Ijebu Ode in the last few weeks ran to Omu for cover.The police now got the information and they trailed them down here”

Efforts to get the State Police spoksman,Muyiwa Adejobi to confirm the incident proved abortive as his mobile line was not going through.

A police source from Ijebu Ode Area Command office,Igbeba confirmed the arrests,adding that more people are still wanted.

According to the source, “Many people have been arrested and they are now in our custody.The order is from the Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commisioner himself led the operation.The cult boys have been trying to regroup themselves again in Ijebu Ode,at least,more than five persons were killed in the last two weeks. We cannot fold our arms and allow these notorious boys to disrupt the peace we have been enjoying in this state,that is why the directives come down from the top that we should burst their hideouts and arrest everyone of them.”

Since the advent of the Ibikunle Amosun administration in the state, security issues have been given priority.

But recently, cult groups, such as Eiye and Aiye engaged themselves in a gun duel and three persons were reportedly killed during the arrival of the Agemo priests.

Another incident occurred last week in Ijebu Ode where two teenagers were killed at Ajegunle-Ijada and Ishado areas of the town.