One Feared Killed As Cultists Strike In Ilorin

By Steve Oni, Ilorin

After a long lull, suspected rival cultists launched their hostility in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Thursday, killing one in the process.

One man identified simply as Dauda was gruesomely killed at Edun/Opo-Malu Junction, leading to palpable fear among residents and shop owners in the area.

The victim was said to be a dealer in furniture and interior decorations at a popular fairly-used market near Edun Junction.

A security source disclosed that the deceased hailed from Ijara-Isin in Isin Local Government Area of the state.

It was however learnt that the atmosphere became charged immediately members of the rival cult syndicate arrived the shop of the deceased.

Dauda was said to have taken to his heels when he sighted the deadly group but was given a hot chase and caught at the Edun/Opo-Malu Junction.

Other shop owners were said to have scampered for safety as men of the underworld reportedly wielded harmful objects such as guns and machetes, among others.

It was gathered that the area was deserted with motorists and other road users making a detour to avoid being trapped in the crossfire.

The warring cult group was said to have left the scene of the incident immediately the deceased was confirmed dead.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi, said he was not aware of the incident and promised to find out and call back.

He was yet to do so at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, 10 suspected cultists were reportedly arrested on Thursday evening in a raid carried out by a combined team of security personnel on some dark spots in Agbo-Oba Area of Ilorin, the state capital.

Though the state Police Spokesman said he has not been briefed, an impeccable security source who pleaded for anonymity confirmed the suspects’ arrest.

“I can confirm to you that about 10 suspected cultists were arrested this night (last night) in some areas known to be dark spots for these men of the underworld. We swooped on them in the raid.

“We don’t want them to turn this state of Harmony to a theatre of war where they can kill and maim with impunity. They should relocate in their own interest because we are ready for them,” said the source.