Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
The Osun State Police Command has arrested two suspected cult members following a violent confrontation involving suspected rival groups in Ede North Local Government Area of the state, recovering a locally made firearm, a battle axe and other items.
The arrests followed a distress call received by police detectives on October 19, 2026, reporting an alleged cult clash along Laoye Street in Ede, where suspected members of rival groups were reportedly attacking one another and firing gunshots, causing panic among residents.
According to the police, the incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m., prompting detectives to move to the area to restore order and prevent further violence.
However, the responding officers were reportedly ambushed by armed individuals suspected to be cult members, who opened fire on the police team.
Despite the attack, the operatives arrested one of the suspects, identified as 30-year-old Salaudeen Mujib, who was allegedly found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size firearm.
The suspect sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh during the incident and subsequently received medical attention.
Second Suspect Arrested During Follow-up Search
Following the initial arrest, police operatives reportedly cordoned off the affected area and conducted a subsequent search to identify other individuals connected to the incident.
The operation led to the arrest of a second suspect, identified as 22-year-old Olaposi Afeez.
During the search, officers reportedly recovered a yellow battle axe and local charms from Afeez.
The police said Mujib allegedly confessed during interrogation to belonging to the Aye cult group, while Afeez reportedly identified himself as a member of the Eiye confraternity.
The alleged affiliations have not been independently established by Weng Global. The suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law.
Police Intensify Efforts to Arrest Fleeing Suspects
The Osun State Police Command said it had intensified efforts to apprehend other suspected members who fled the scene and recover any additional weapons that might be in their possession.
The command also reiterated its commitment to tackling cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other violent criminal activities across the state.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest police station.
The police said its operations would continue as part of efforts to maintain public safety and prevent further violence in communities across Osun State.
Wider Security Concerns in Osun State
The arrests come amid broader police operations targeting suspected criminal activities in Osun State.
In a separate operation, the command reportedly arrested additional suspects following coordinated raids on identified criminal hideouts in Osogbo on October 25, 2026.
According to the police, the operation initially resulted in the arrest of 37 individuals. Following profiling and screening, some were released, while others were retained for further investigation over alleged involvement in activities including extortion, thuggery and illicit drug-related offences.
The separate operation highlights the command’s wider efforts to address criminal activities and security concerns across the state.
Cult-related violence remains a public safety concern in parts of Nigeria, with incidents capable of disrupting community life, threatening residents and placing additional pressure on law enforcement agencies.
The latest arrests in Ede North therefore represent another police intervention against suspected cult-related violence, although the effectiveness of the operation will also depend on further investigations, the apprehension of other suspects and the successful prosecution of individuals found responsible.
For residents, the immediate concern remains the restoration of peace and the prevention of further clashes in affected communities.
The police have not indicated that all individuals allegedly involved in the Ede incident have been arrested.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- LEADERSHIP Newspaper – Osun Police Arrest 14 Suspects in Crackdown on Criminal Hideouts, Cult Clashes.
- NGN – 2027 Elections: Osun Police Arrest 14 Suspects, Recover Firearms in Statewide Raids.
