Six killed as suspected cultists clash in Ikorodu

Six persons were at the weekend killed and several others injured after suspected cultists clashed in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The clash, which occurred at Imota, was said to have started on Saturday evening.

The Nation had reported fresh cult wars between Aye and Eiye groups last week at Oworonshoki and Bariga in Lagos that left at least five persons dead.

It was gathered that two persons were killed on Saturday and four others yesterday, while many others sustained injuries.

Residents, who took to the social media to lament the resumed clashes, said the killings were alarming.

According to one Yisu Mumini, the rival groups were killing one another as though life was cheap.

He wrote: “Imota is on fire. The cultists are at it again. The massacre was on tough edges and life was just too cheap to take.

Read Also: Operation Crush arrests 25 cultists at Ijora, Mushin, Bariga

“Are we so lawless? Are security operatives sleeping? Is there no one to stop this massacre? Come and put permanent stop to this ugly and deadly situation please.

“We cry loud for sanity and peace. Help the helpless because the count increases.”

Not satisfied with Saturday night’s battle, The Nation gathered that the groups continued around 6pm yesterday while the Oro festival was ongoing, killing four people.

It was learnt that those killed allegedly belonged to the cults and it took the intervention of policemen from Imota Division and reinforcement from neighbouring divisions to restore peace.

Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), confirmed the incident. He said 19 suspects were arrested.

He said: “Yes, there was a clash on Saturday and two of the cultists were killed. Those who sustained injuries are also cultists.

“They continued their supremacy tussle this evening (Sunday) while the community was having a festival and some persons belonging to either Aye or Eiye cults were killed as well.

“Police quickly moved to the scene and arrested 19 suspected cultists. Two locally-made pistols with two live and three expended cartridges were recovered.

“Also recovered were 11 stolen phones, charms and large quantity of substance suspected to be marijuana. Intensive patrol, stop and search are being sustained.”