Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested 20 suspected cultists linked to the killing of a police officer during a violent attack in Ilesi, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The command’s spokesperson, Umma Ayuba, disclosed the development in a statement yesterday, noting that the suspects were believed to be members of the Neo Black Movement.
Ayuba explained that the incident occurred on November 29 at about 9:30pm after the group allegedly stormed the Ilesi community in retaliation for an earlier assault on one of their members.
“As the suspects moved through the neighbourhood in search of rival cultists, tension escalated, drawing the attention of a police officer who lived in the community, along with some residents.
“Upon sighting them, the armed cultists opened fire, killing the officer on the spot and leaving two other residents severely injured. In a gruesome twist, the attackers amputated the officer’s left hand and fled with it,” she said.
She said operatives of the Zonal Dragon Squad launched an intelligence-led operation that led to a raid on a hideout in Ogbere in the early hours of December 1.
“The operation resulted in the apprehension of 20 suspects linked to the violent attack, as well as other offences including unlawful possession of firearms,” she said.
Ayuba added that officers recovered several items during the raid, including arms, mobile phones, jewellery and cash.
“Items recovered include one Nissan Micra (Reg. No. KSH 793 XA), a double-barrelled short gun, a single-barrelled short gun, two locally made single-barrel pistols, 29 live cartridges, 19 mobile phones, N72,000 cash, a wristwatch, three necklaces and three ATM cards,” she said.
She noted that one suspect remained at large and was believed to be in possession of the officer’s amputated hand, while security had been strengthened across the affected communities.
Ayuba said the AIG Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, urged residents to assist security agencies with useful information.
“AIG Fayoade, while urging residents to remain vigilant, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of these heinous crimes are made to face the full wrath of the law,” Ayuba said.
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