The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended five suspected cultists in connection with a violent clash between rival groups in the Onireke and Isashi areas, which claimed one life.
The suspects — Victor Christian (43), Samuel Success (29), Balogun Emmanuel (43), Wisdom Chukwuemeka (28), and Oche Job (39) — were arrested after police tactical operatives swiftly responded to a distress call on October 4 at about 10:00 p.m.
In a statement posted on Sunday via X, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command, Abimbola Adebisi, said the timely intervention of the tactical team prevented further violence and restored calm to the area.
“Three victims were rushed to Badagry General Hospital for urgent treatment. Unfortunately, one was later confirmed dead. Our joint operation with conventional police units led to the arrest of five suspects directly responsible for the attack,” she said.
Adebisi stated that a search of the suspects’ hideout and operational vehicle led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and other weapons used during the clash.
The recovered items include one locally-made pistol, two pump-action guns, fifty-two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, one Toyota Avalon (KTU 610 JB), one HP laptop, computer mouse, car key, one cutlass, one Nigerian international passport belonging to Ekomafe Gregory Dickson, and five mobile phones of various models.
According to her, all recovered items have been registered as exhibits for ongoing investigations. She added that the suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
The police are also pursuing other members of the rival cult groups who are still at large, while patrols and tactical units continue to monitor the affected areas to prevent any reprisal attacks.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh commended the professionalism of the officers involved and reiterated the command’s commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes in Lagos. He further urged residents to remain law-abiding, stay alert, and promptly report suspicious activities.