The Ogun Police Command verifies the apprehension of nine alleged cult members resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives over the weekend in Sagamu.
At a press briefing held in Abeokuta on Monday, Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu stated that the underlying cause of the clashes was a land transaction that occurred within the town.
“A land was sold and some form of commission or settlement was paid to a cult group by the owner of the land.”
”A rival cult group got to know about the payment and went after members of the other group in a bid to get a share of the commission.”
“The situation degenerated into an attack and counter-attack situation which started from Wednesday and continued till Sunday, leading to the death of 8 persons,” Alamutu said.
The police chief disclosed the apprehension of key figures from the opposing cult factions, noting that nine individuals have been taken into custody with evidence linking them to the homicides.
He further mentioned that two firearms, along with expended cartridges indicating recent discharge, were seized from the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police noted that the investigation into the killings is still underway.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jubril Odulate, Chairman of the Local Government Area, has enforced a ban on motorcycle use in the region from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. each day, as part of efforts to bring tranquility back to the strife-torn town.