By Monsurat Abisoye
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists, including an alleged leader of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity, during a raid on criminal hideouts in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit carried out the operation on Thursday following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists and violent criminals in the area.
One of the suspects, identified as Idowu Akorede of Ijagbo, was described as the alleged Capon of the Eiye Confraternity. Three other suspects were arrested during follow-up operations.
According to the police, preliminary investigations linked the suspects to a gang involved in cult-related activities, robbery, and other violent crimes, including reported daylight attacks on residents and the theft of valuables, which had heightened insecurity within the community.
The command said the suspects resisted arrest and attacked officers with broken bottles in an attempt to escape. However, the operatives subdued and arrested them without sustaining any injuries.
The suspects have been transferred to Ilorin and remain in police custody as investigations continue, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal network.
Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, praised their professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities and protecting lives and property across the state.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime.