The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cult members and recovered a firearm at The Polytechnic, Ibadan following a swift response to a security tip-off.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Alayande Olayinka, said the suspects were apprehended while allegedly plotting an attack on a rival group within the campus.
The arrested individuals were identified as Lawal Opeyemi, 31, popularly known as “Aiki,” and Olaniyan Opeyemi, 29, also called “Bojan.” Both reside in the Apete area of Ibadan.
According to the police, the operation was initiated after a concerned member of the institution alerted authorities about suspicious movements by some young men believed to be cultists roaming the campus with violent intentions.
Acting on the intelligence, a team of officers led by the Divisional Police Officer of Sango Division stormed the school premises and successfully apprehended the two suspects.
A search conducted on them reportedly led to the recovery of a locally fabricated double-barrel pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted to being members of the Eiye Confraternity and are said to have been linked to previous cult-related clashes within the institution. Police said investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of their activities and to track down other fleeing members of the group.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit for further discreet and thorough investigation.
The Command commended members of the public for providing timely information and reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against cultism and other violent crimes. It also urged parents and guardians to discourage their wards from joining secret societies capable of jeopardising their future.
