The Ogun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for four unidentified cult members responsible for a deadly attack that claimed the life of a 44-year-old man in the Atan-Ota area of the state on Sunday night.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident was the result of a clash between two rival cult groups in the area.

The victim, identified as Bashiru Saidu and believed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity, was reportedly shot in the head by four gunmen who arrived at the scene on two motorcycles.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the command, Chief Superintendent of Police Omolola Odutola, said an investigation had been launched to apprehend the killers.

She stated, “The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into a fatal cult-related incident that claimed the life of one individual in the Atan-Ota area of the state.”

According to her, the Atan-Ota Divisional Headquarters received a distress call at about 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, reporting that “four armed men, riding on two motorcycles, attacked and fatally shot one Bashiru Saidu, aged 44, along Bankole Onibukun Street, Atan-Ota.”

She added, “The assailants immediately fled the scene after the attack.”

Police operatives who arrived at the location found the victim with a gunshot wound to the head.

“His body was evacuated and deposited at the State Hospital Mortuary, Ilaro, for further examination,” Odutola said.

In response to the killing, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, deployed the Anti-Cultism Unit to the area with instructions to carry out a comprehensive investigation and bring the culprits to justice.

Odutola said, “The unit has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation aimed at apprehending the perpetrators of this heinous act.”

She stressed the command’s stance against cult-related violence, saying, “The command strongly condemns all forms of cult-related violence and reiterates its commitment to rooting out cultism and restoring peace and security across the state.”

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

This latest incident comes just weeks after the police arrested 14 suspected cultists in the Ijagun area of Ijebu-Ode, who were allegedly planning an attack on a rival group.

In a separate operation, the command also foiled a kidnapping attempt in the Abigi area and apprehended the suspects. (The PUNCH, but headline rejigged)