…14 arrested
Stories by Ahmed Ajikobi
There was pandemonium at Agaka and Baboko areas of Ilorin, Kwara State capital at the weekend, when cultists clashed.
Residents and traders in the affected areas scampered for safety while the onslaught, which began at about 10pm on Friday, lasted.
Sound of sporadic shootings rented the air as the cultists engaged in gun duel, causing panic and palpable tension in the areas, Pilot Crime learnt.
When our reporter visited the areas Saturday morning, it was observed that the major roads were deserted while police patrol team from the “C” Division of the state command were seen manning strategic points.
Men and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), Kwara Command were also seen patrolling the area to douse tension.
A resident of Agaka, who craved anonymity for security reasons, told this medium that the cultists clashed over issue of supremacy.
“The Baboko faction of the cult group felt aggrieved that a cult member from Agaka was named as kingpin. That was what led to the clash,” the source explained.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the state NSCDC, Bello Ayodele said the command is on top of the situation.
He disclosed that two suspects were arrested in connection to the clash.
“I can confirm that three suspects have been arrested. I learnt that some other arrests have also been made but I have not been given details. I will get back to you as soon as I get the record of the arrests made, “he said.
But, a police source who confided in our reporter said 12 suspects.
He added that investigation is on going which could lead to arrest of other suspects.
However, the spokesperson of the State Police Command DSP Ajayi Okasanmi could not confirm the arrest at the time of filing this report.
In a chat with this medium yesterday, he said: “For now effort is being intensified in bringing total peace to the area.
“The number of arrest made is not yet ascertained now, our major concern now is to restore peace in the affected area please.”
