Law enforcement officials have taken in six individuals suspected of being involved in cult activities in Ipetu-Ijesa, Osun State. They were apprehended while en route to the South-South region of the country.
A trustworthy source in the security sector, who requested anonymity when speaking to our correspondent on Sunday, mentioned that residents who noticed the suspects at a motor park contacted the police.
The source revealed that the suspects were in the process of boarding a vehicle in Ipetu-Ijesa to travel to Ile Oluji, from where they planned to catch another one to Delta State. Alert residents who were suspicious of their actions informed the Anti Cultism Unit of the Osun State Police Command.
The source further stated that the suspects were intercepted by the police as they were about to leave the motor park, and firearms and ammunition were found in their possession.
The source mentioned, “The motor park was crowded with many travelers when the suspects arrived.
“They were supposedly on their way to a town in Delta State, but their point of origin was unclear. Because they were unable to find a direct means of transport to their destination, they needed to board a vehicle heading in the direction of their route.
“The vehicle they were attempting to board was destined for Ile Oluji in Ondo State. Onlookers became suspicious of them and alerted the police.
“Shortly after receiving the tip, the police moved in and apprehended the suspects at the motor park. They were found to be in possession of firearms and ammunition.”
Yemisi Opalola, the Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, confirmed the incident. She stated that the suspects, who were traveling from Ilorin in Kwara State to Delta State, were detained at a motor park in Ipetu-Ijesa by the command's operatives.
She said, “We received information from Ipetu-Ijesa about the presence of some suspected hoodlums believed to be members of an unlawful organization at their motor park.
“A police team went to the motor park and arrested the six suspects. Additionally, four short locally manufactured pistols with 155 rounds of live 9mm ammunition were seized from them.
“The suspects admitted to being affiliated with the Eiye confraternity from Ilorin in Kwara State, and claimed they were en route to Delta State for a cult-related operation.”
