By Muyideen Aliyu
Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a notorious cult group during a targeted operation in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the State.
This was made known in a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) SP. Adetoun Ejire -Adeyemi said the command act on credible intelligence regarding the activities of suspected cultists and violent criminals operating within the area, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) carried out a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts in Ijagbo.
Adeyemi said, during the operation, one Idowu Akorede, identified as the alleged Capon of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity, was arrested at a hideout in Ijagbo. While further operations led to the arrest of three others.
Preliminary investigations, the statement added that, the suspects are members of a criminal gang allegedly involved in cult-related activities, robbery, and other violent crimes.
The group has been linked to incidents in which residents were reportedly attacked and dispossessed of their valuables in broad daylight, creating fear and insecurity within the community.
Adeyemi noted that,the suspects reportedly resisted arrest and launched attack on the police with broken bottles in a bid to evade arrest.
The suspects have since been transferred to state police headquarters and currently in police custody while investigations continue.
Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The State commissioner of police, CP. Adekimi Ojo reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering determination to confront all forms of criminality and ensure the safety of lives and property across the State.
Ojo assured encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Police with timely and useful informations that would aid ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety.