The police have arrested at least 19 individuals in relation to the deaths of four people in a cult clash that occurred on Monday in Owo, Ondo State.
This information was revealed by the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, during his visit to the town on Tuesday for an assessment.
The altercation is believed to have been sparked by a conflict between two rival cult groups in Owo, with retaliatory attacks intensifying the violence.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, on Tuesday, Commissioner Afolabi “made an unplanned visit to Owo to personally assess the recent cult-related crisis that resulted in four deaths.”
She added that Mr. Afolabi, who recently took office, was immediately faced with the crisis and has vowed to prioritize fighting crime and social vices in the state.
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“At present, 19 individuals have been detained in connection with the crisis,” she said.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement in the incident.”
The spokesperson mentioned that Mr. Afolabi warned criminals and troublemakers to stay out of the state, reiterating the police command’s commitment to eradicating crime and criminal activities in Ondo State.
The clash led to the death of Fisayo Oladipo, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Owo Local Government, along with three others.
It was reported that the tragic incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Monday when armed assailants attacked Mr. Oladipo’s residence in Owo and killed him.
Mr. Oladipo, known as Fissey Ehin Ogbe, was a former youth leader of the APC and a key figure within the party in Owo local government.
In response to the violence, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has implemented a curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the town to prevent further unrest.
The new Commissioner of Police takes over from Abayomi Oladipo, who has been redeployed.
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