An unorthodox Islamic sect likened to the Boko Haram terrorist group that has made parts of Nigeria’s North-East virtually ungovernable has been discovered in Oyo State in the country’s South-West.

Unwiling to take chances, the Oyo State Government has promptly banned the sect which goes by the name Arsuna. over its alleged involvement in nefarious activities ranging from rape to murder.

Announced the proscription of the group yesterday at a news conference in the Oyo State capital, Ibadan, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Taiwo Otegbeye, said: “The State Executive Council has approved the proscription of Arsuna Islamic Sect over allegations of rape, murder and slavery.”

Otegbeye said the decision to ban the sect was taken on Wednesday (September 19), disclosing that some members of the sect led by one Yunus Adefobi were already being tried in court for various offences.

“Oyo State Government took the decision to forestall the emergence of Boko Haram in this part of the country,’’ the commissioner said.

He disclosed that the Isiaka Ajimobi administration decided to move against Arsuna following complaints from the Islamic Community in Iseyin, where the sect which has been dubbed ‘New Boko Haram’ by some commentators, is based.

Boko Haram was formed in Borno State in 2009 as an innocuous Islamic sect but has since transformed into a terrorist group responsible for the death of about 4,000 people.

•Photo shows Gov. Ajimobi of Oyo State.