The Osun State Police Command has arrested two suspected cult members and recovered a locally made firearm, a yellow battle axe and suspected charms during an operation in Ede North Local Government Area.
The command also arrested 14 other suspects during a separate operation targeting identified black spots and suspected criminal hideouts across Osogbo.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Osogbo on Friday.
According to Ojelabi, the first incident followed a distress call received on October 19 at about 12:30 p.m., reporting an attack allegedly involving suspected cultists at Laoye Street, Ede North.
He said the incident caused panic and threatened public safety in the area, prompting the deployment of detectives to the scene.
However, the police operatives reportedly came under attack shortly after arriving at the location.
Ojelabi explained that the officers were ambushed and shot at by suspected armed cultists but responded by repelling the attackers and arresting one suspect who was allegedly found with a locally made cut-to-size gun.
The suspect reportedly sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh during the encounter and was immediately given medical attention.
The police spokesperson said the arrested suspect confessed during interrogation to being a member of the Aye cult group.
He added that a subsequent search of the cordoned-off crime scene led to the arrest of another suspect, who was allegedly found with a yellow battle axe and suspected charms.
According to Ojelabi, the second suspect also confessed to belonging to the Eiye Confraternity during interrogation.
The command said it was intensifying efforts to arrest other fleeing members of the suspected cult groups and recover additional weapons.
On the separate operation in Osogbo, Ojelabi disclosed that 14 suspects were arrested during coordinated raids on identified black spots and suspected criminal hideouts.
He listed the affected locations as Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie and Orisunmibare.
He explained that 37 people were initially arrested during the operation, but 23 were released unconditionally after profiling.
The remaining 14 suspects were reportedly linked through preliminary investigations and interrogation to alleged offences including extortion, thuggery, illicit drug-related activities and conduct capable of causing fear and panic among residents.
“The suspects have all been charged to court,” Ojelabi said.
The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling cultism, illegal possession of firearms and other violent crimes across the state.
He warned residents against activities capable of endangering lives and disrupting public peace, assuring them that the police would continue efforts to bring suspected offenders to justice.
Ojelabi also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established police emergency channels.
