The Ogun State Police Command has come under intense criticism for its response to the crisis that erupted in Ibaragun, Ogun State.
On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, when violence broke out between two rival cult groups, the Eiye Confraternity and the Black Axe.
The clash, caused by a fight over control of recruitment in the area, left at least ten people dead and many more injured.
The fight began early in the morning and quickly spread across the community. Armed cultists with guns, machetes, and clubs attacked the streets, destroying businesses and forcing families to flee for safety. Some innocent people, as well as cult members, were killed in the violence.
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, shared how cults target young people in the area. “Just last week, members of the Eiye Confraternity tried to recruit me. They promised power and protection, but it’s all about intimidation,” he said.
Some witnesses say they saw police officers siding with one of the cult groups, leading to more mistrust. There have been long-standing rumors of police corruption and links to cult groups in the region.
A community elder expressed frustration, saying, “We asked for help, but it seems some police officers are part of the problem, not the solution.”
Now, residents are calling on the Ogun State government to act quickly. They are demanding an independent investigation into the police’s possible involvement and want to see stronger efforts to address the causes of cult violence, like unemployment and corruption.
A local youth leader said, “This violence might result in bigger problems. If we don’t fix the root causes, these cults will keep causing harm.”
As Ibaragun mourns the victims, there is a clear need for both immediate action to stop the violence and long-term solutions to prevent it from happening again. Restoring peace in the community will require tackling both the cult groups and the social problems that support them.