By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Police command in Lagos State has arrested five suspected cultists following a violent clash between rival groups in Onireke and Isashi, Badagry.

Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

She said the suspects, aged between 28 and 43, were apprehended during a coordinated operation that prevented further violence and restored calm to the communities.

“Police responded to a distress call around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday reporting a clash between rival cult groups in Onireke and Isashi,” Adebisi stated.

She said the tactical team and detectives swiftly arrived at the scene, rescuing three victims who were taken to hospital for urgent medical care.

“Sadly, one of the victims was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty at Badagry General Hospital,” she added.

Adebisi noted that police raided the area, leading to the arrest of five suspects allegedly involved in the attack and killing.

Recovered items included one locally made pistol, two pump-action guns, 52 live cartridges, two expended cartridges, a Toyota Avalon (KTU 610 JB), a laptop, phones, and other weapons.

The spokesperson said the suspects are in custody and will face prosecution after investigations are concluded.

She added that efforts are ongoing to arrest other cult members still at large, with intensified patrols and surveillance to prevent reprisal attacks.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives’ professionalism and swift response.

Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s determination to eradicate cultism and related crimes across Lagos State.

The commissioner urged residents to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station. (NAN)