The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended five suspected cult members following a violent confrontation between rival groups in the Onireke and Isashi areas of Badagry.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the suspects—aged between 28 and 43—were captured during a swift, coordinated operation that restored calm to the affected communities.
According to Adebisi, police officers responded to a distress call around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday after reports of an ongoing clash between cult groups. Tactical teams and detectives were immediately deployed to the scene, where they rescued three victims who were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
“Unfortunately, one of the victims was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty at the Badagry General Hospital,” she said.
Adebisi added that during subsequent raids in the area, five suspects believed to be involved in the attack and killing were arrested. Items recovered from the suspects include one locally made pistol, two pump-action guns, 52 live cartridges, two expended cartridges, a Toyota Avalon car (registration number KTU 610 JB), a laptop, mobile phones, and other dangerous weapons.
She confirmed that the suspects are in police custody and will be prosecuted once investigations are completed.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the cult groups. The police have also increased patrols and surveillance across the area to prevent retaliatory attacks.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, commended the officers for their prompt and professional response. He reiterated the command’s commitment to stamping out cultism and related criminal activities in the state.
Jimoh urged residents to remain vigilant, obey the law, and promptly report any suspicious movements or incidents to the nearest police station.