In a tragic turn of events, 19 suspected cult members have been arrested following a violent clash between rival cult groups in Owo, Ondo State. The death toll from the incident has surged from five to nine, leaving the community in shock.
The victims include Fisayo Oladipupo, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and a mother and child who were struck by stray bullets while fleeing the violence.
The clash, which began at approximately 2 a.m. on Monday, is suspected to be fueled by a longstanding feud between the groups.
Oladipupo, aged 56 and a former youth leader in Owo, was reportedly killed in a close-range shooting, allegedly as part of a reprisal attack linked to a decade-old dispute.
Four other individuals lost their lives in the Eyinogbe, Ekusi, and Uselu areas, while two suspected cult members died in a shootout between the warring factions.
The Ondo State Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, confirmed the arrests and assured the public of safety, stating, “We are in Owo this morning to monitor compliance with the curfew. So far, normalcy has returned, and there is calm across the town.”
Despite discrepancies in casualty figures, with only four deaths officially confirmed, Afolabi vowed that those who disrupt the peace would face the full weight of the law.
“For those who disrupt the peace, we will track them down and ensure they face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Afolabi and his team visited affected areas, including Eyin Ogbe, Ijebu Owo, and the Palace area, to enforce the curfew and restore order.
In response to the violence, the Ondo State Government imposed a curfew to prevent further clashes, with police pledging to increase efforts to maintain peace and prosecute those responsible.
As investigations continue, residents are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure lasting peace in the community.
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