The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Spokesman of the Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the arrests followed credible intelligence provided by a concerned member of the institution.

According to him, the Police received information that a group of young men suspected to be members of a secret cult were moving around the campus with plans to attack a rival group.

Acting on the tip-off, a team of operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of the Sango Division was immediately deployed to the school, leading to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the weapon.

“The duo of Lawal Opeyemi a.k.a “Aiki” ‘m’, aged 31 years, and Olaniyan Opeyemi a.k.a “Bojan” ‘m’, aged 29 years, both of Apete area, Ibadan, were arrested at the scene. A search conducted on them led to the recovery of one locally made double-barrel pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects have allegedly been responsible for a series of cult-related clashes within the institution. During interrogation, they confessed to being members of the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity and have been cooperating with investigators.

“Investigation is ongoing to determine the purpose of the sinister gathering, apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, and ensure that upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects are charged to court.

“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, psc(+), has directed that the suspects be handed over to the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for discreet and thorough investigation.

‘The CP commended the school authority for the timely sharing of credible information, reiterating that community partnership remains sacrosanct to achieving a safer and more secure society.

He also applauded the operatives of Sango Division for their swift response and professionalism which led to this operational success.

“Furthermore, the CP urges parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards against joining secret and unhealthy groups capable of truncating their future aspirations.

“The Oyo State Police Command remains resolute in its zero-tolerance stance against cultism and other violent crimes.”

(The Nation)

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