Fear in Lagos communities over cult clashes

Fear has gripped two local communities in the Ojo area of Lagos State, following a series of clashes between the rival Aiye and Eiye secret cult groups vying for control of the areas. Eyewitnesses report that the cult groups, who have been at odds for months, have been engaging in increasingly violent confrontations, leaving residents […]

Fear has gripped two local communities in the Ojo area of Lagos State, following a series of clashes between the rival Aiye and Eiye secret cult groups vying for control of the areas.

Eyewitnesses report that the cult groups, who have been at odds for months, have been engaging in increasingly violent confrontations, leaving residents on edge.

One person was reported dead, while several others sustained injuries in the recent attacks which occurred in the Isashi and Onireke areas of Ojo.

“The situation is getting out of hand,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. “We can’t even go out at night without fear of being attacked. We can’t continue like this,” the resident added.

Presently, an uneasy calm hovers over the areas, as residents now keep watch over their neighborhoods at night.

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that several arrests have been made in connection with the violence, but residents say more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict.

“We need the government to take decisive action to end this senseless violence,” said one of the community leaders in the Onireke area of Ojo. “We can’t continue to live in fear.”

A police source at the Onireke Police Station, who is not authorized to speak, alleged that the suspects have confessed to engaging in a series of clashes over control of territory.

“One of the main causes of the clash is who is in charge. There is too much money in the hands of some young men, between the ages of 18 and 25. These young men go around with cult boys to ward off any perceived rival,” the police source said.

The cult-related violence has also raised concerns about the safety of children and the impact on local businesses. As tensions remain high, residents are calling for increased security presence and an end to the cult-related violence that has plagued their community for too long.

Police restore normalcy, arrest 5 suspects

In a swift response to the clashes, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Jimoh Olorundare, said the heads of tactical units and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area have been able to restore normalcy.

CP Olorundare, who spoke through the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, stated that the tactical operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested five suspects.