Police Arrest Seven as Cult Clash Claims One in Lagos

 

For the umpteenth time, rival cult gangs went for each other’s throats at Oseni Street at the Itire area of Lagos, killing one and vandalising several vehicles in the process.

In recent times, Itire, one of the densely populated suburbs in Lagos, has become the theatre of a deadly gun duel between rival cultists.

To safeguard their lives and properties from the rampaging cultists, residents have now resorted to self-help by hiring local vigilante groups, a move that hasn’t totally eradicated the menace.

According to the residents, the reign of terror of these cult groups have almost become the norm despite constant raids by the police.

In Sunday’s clash, some gang members had carried out a reprisal on the opposing cult group over the death of their colleague last Saturday.

One of the cult groups had attacked a member of the opposing gang, killing him in cold blood, an act which drew the ire of his crew.

Based on a tip-off that the perpetrators were lounging in a bar at Itire, the affected gang stormed there and engaged them in a gun duel.

 Following a signal to that effect, the Area Commander, Area D, ACP Aliko Dankoli, and his men stormed the area to quell the situation.

Also on ground as a first responder was the Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), DCP Tunji Disu, who alongside his men, rounded up some of the suspects in their patrol van.

As at press time, the police had arrested seven persons suspected to be members of the different cult groups in Itire.

Also, the clash was quelled by the police, while normalcy has returned to the crisis-prone area.

When contacted, DCP Disu said even though the situation has become calm, officers are still holding the ground to ensure maximum peace.