One dead, 5 arrested in Lagos cult clash

Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person and the arrest of five suspects following a violent clash between rival cult groups in the Onireke and Isashi communities of Badagry, Lagos State.

Operatives responding to a distress call recovered a locally made pistol, two pump-action guns, 52 live cartridges, two used cartridges, a Toyota Avalon (registration number KTU 610 JB), a laptop, mobile phones, and other dangerous weapons from the suspects.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos. She explained that the suspects, aged between 28 and 43, were apprehended during a coordinated operation that swiftly curtailed the violence and restored normalcy to the area.

“Police responded to a distress call at about 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, reporting a clash between rival cult groups in Onireke and Isashi,” Adebisi stated.

She added that tactical teams and detectives were immediately deployed to the scene, where they rescued three injured victims and rushed them to a hospital for emergency treatment.

“Unfortunately, one of the victims was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty at Badagry General Hospital,” Adebisi added.

According to her, the swift follow-up operation led to the arrest of five suspects believed to have taken part in the attack. They are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

She stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing cult members, while security patrols and surveillance have been intensified in the affected communities to forestall reprisals.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended the professionalism and prompt response of the officers involved in the operation.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to stamping out cultism and other violent crimes across the state, urging residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.