Cult Killings: Police flood Osogbo with tactical teams

The Osun State Police Command has stepped up security operations in Osogbo following a fresh wave of suspected cult-related violence that left two people dead and another injured.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, ordered the deployment of the command’s tactical teams to strategic locations across the state capital to prevent further attacks and restore calm.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, announced the development in a statement on Sunday, quoting Zungura as describing the killings as “disturbing and unacceptable.”

The latest violence reportedly began on October 2 around the Owo-Eba area of Osogbo, where suspected members of rival cult groups engaged in a clash.

According to the police, two men, identified as Adebayo Taoreed, aka “Small Rugged,” and Oluwaseyi Daniel, aka “OSHA,” were shot dead during the incident, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.

Another attack was reported on October 4 in the Arowomole area, where suspected cultists allegedly shot a man identified as Rasak Wahab, aka “Ojo Iku.”

Wahab was subsequently taken to a hospital and was responding to treatment as of Sunday, the police said.

In response to the attacks, Zungura directed the command’s tactical units to move into the Oke-Baale area and remain there until security was fully restored.

The teams were also ordered to carry out intelligence-led raids and other operations against suspected cult members, criminal hideouts and locations linked to criminal activities.

The commissioner directed that the operations must be conducted professionally and within the ambit of the law.

The police said the cases had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

Zungura also ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering and maintain a sustained security presence at identified flashpoints across Osogbo.

He warned cultists and their sponsors that Osun would not provide a safe haven for anyone involved in shootings and killings.

The commissioner assured residents that the command was in control of the security situation and urged them to go about their lawful activities without fear.