Kwara police arrest three suspected cultists

Operatives of the Kwara State police command have arrested three suspected cultists allegedly connected with the bloody clash which broke out between two rival cultists groups on Tuesday at Budo-Oke, Eiyenkori area of Asa Local Government in the state.

two buildings were also razed down during the violent clash in the town.

The suspects are Suleiman Ismail, Mamud Ibrahim, and Mudashir Saeed, all residents of Budo-Oke, Eiyenkori, who were allegedly found in possession of a dane gun at the time of their arrest.

Police operatives have also intensified efforts to apprehend other suspects, according to a statement by the spokesperson of the command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, on Wednesday.

She said, “On 30th April, 2024 at about 0130hours, an altercation erupted between two suspected cultists identified as Adams Isah, also known as ‘Number One’, aged 28, and Rasaq Olorunwa, aged 28.

“Both are male residents of Budo-Oke in Eiyenkorin. The altercation escalated, resulting in Rasaq Olorunwa stabbing Adams Isah in the chest with a knife.

“Adams Isah was immediately rushed to the general hospital in Ilorin for medical attention. Tragically, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital by a medical doctor. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting an autopsy.

“Following this incident, suspected members of the same cult group of the victim became violent, disturbing the peace of the public in a bid to avenge the death of their leader. The police tactical teams of the command swiftly responded and apprehended three suspects at the scene of the crime.”

She added that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Ilorin, for further investigation, while a manhunt has been launched to track down Rasaq Olorunwa who is presently at large and other culprits involved in the crime who may have fled the scene.

The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya asserted that membership of any cult group is a serious criminal offense under the law and assured the public that normalcy has been restored to the area, while stringent efforts are underway to ensure justice is served.