Police Nab 15 Suspected Cultists, Armed Robbers In Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 15 suspected cultists and armed robbers in Ibadan, the state capital.

The suspects were paraded on Monday at the Command headquarters in Eleyele by the State Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi.

Addressing journalists, Sonubi raised concerns over the growing threat of cultism and its associated crimes.

“Cultism poses a significant threat to public safety,” Sonubi said, outlining the Command’s proactive measures to combat the menace.

During the operation, police seized several incriminating items, including: Five jackets bearing cult symbols. Three dane guns, one locally made pistol, and one cut-to-size gun. A long-barrel gun. A Toyota Camry (KTU 41 JH). Cult-related paraphernalia, including a red cloth, powder blue beret, and three cutlasses.

Sonubi identified Ibadan neighborhoods like Apete, Abayomi (Iwo-Road axis), Ijokodo, Moniya, Monatan, Ojoo, Samonda, and Sango as hotspots for cult-related activities.

He described these clashes as rivalries driven by a quest for dominance among cult groups.

The Commissioner highlighted strategies like intelligence gathering, advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and targeted raids as part of efforts to curb the violence. He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to actively discourage young people from joining cults, warning that law enforcement would bring offenders to justice.

Sonubi assured residents of enhanced security measures, including high-visibility policing, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led raids, while also committing to stricter supervision of officers to prevent misconduct and extortion.

“The Oyo State Police Command is fully committed to ensuring peace and safety across our beloved state,” he affirmed.