Community beefs up security with Oro cult gang members

There is palpable tension in Alasia, Aiyetoro, Vespa areas of Ijanikin over speculations that armed bandits and cult gang members are planning co-ordinated attacks on the community. As a result, it was gathered that the residents had in the past few weeks introduced measures to strengthen security in the area with the introduction of Oro […]

There is palpable tension in Alasia, Aiyetoro, Vespa areas of Ijanikin over speculations that armed bandits and cult gang members are planning co-ordinated attacks on the community.

As a result, it was gathered that the residents had in the past few weeks introduced measures to strengthen security in the area with the introduction of Oro secret cult members for patrol of the areas at night.

The apprehension, it was learnt, became heightened following the recent attacks on the communities by some cultists which resulted into the death of about four persons.

While one of the deceased simply identified as Ibrahim, a commercial bus driver was shot dead by the gang, two others were macheted during one of the attacks.

It was also learnt that a gang of robbers, numbering about 30, stormed two streets during two separate attacks, and carted away valuables worth millions of naira.

Eye witnesses also said that in one of the attacks on residents of Huge Avenue, Alasia, over 30 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Some residents who spoke with our correspondent said that the leader of the cult gang, simply identified as “Omi” was killed in one of the attacks, while two members of his gang were arrested.

It was also gathered that attempt by other members of the fraternity to attack the rival group was also foiled by the police.

However, it was gathered that residents have also been taken turns to keep a watch over the community at night as they alleged compromise on the part of the police.

“Most members of the gang terrorizing the areas are indigenes. Their fathers are chiefs and have always secured their release in the past.

Eko Trust learnt that the Oro festival which ordinarily is a

traditional annual Yoruba event, usually observed in July, is now being used to tackle the rising cases of attacks of armed bandits on residents of the area.

Though, police said that about six persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the different robbery attacks, residents of Alasia in Ijanikin said that they have resulted into protecting themselves traditionally due to lack of police presence in the area.

Kazeem Bayeku, who is one of the traditional rulers in the area alleged that the first attack on the area by robbers was done on Huge Avenue.

He said: “We no longer sleep at night. Every day each compound will send the names of two volunteers to join in the security team. We set up burn fires with used tyres at every junction to illuminate the entire area. Right now, the Oro festival which ought to last for few days and for its duration women, and others who are not participants, are expected to stay indoors is now been done on a daily bases. The situation is also worsened by the traffic on the mile 2 Badagry Expressway as people rush back home to avoid been seen by the Oro cult gang members.