Eleven suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity have been arrested for allegedly killing 25 persons within a month in Ijebu Ode and its environs .
The Commissioner of Police in the state , Edward Ajogun , on Tuesday , declared that the police would engage cultists in the state “ fire for fire . ”
Ajogun said this after parading the suspects and meeting with some youths and stakeholders at the Ijebu Area Command , Igbeba, Ijebu Ode .
He said the suspects and others at large were responsible for the death of 25 persons during supremacy battles between rival cults late last year .
He expressed dismay at the incessant clashes in the town , declaring that the command would come all out against cultists , not only in Ijebu Ode but everywhere in the state .
Ajogun stated that 16 persons had been arrested in the last one month , while assorted arms and ammunition were recovered from them.
According to him , some of the suspects are currently being prosecuted for attempted murder , murder , robbery and cultism .
The CP also visited some cultist flashpoints in Ijebu Ode to sensitise youths and community leaders to the danger of aiding and abetting cult groups .
He urged stakeholders to cooperate with the police in its fight against cultism .
Ajogun said the successes recorded by the command in restoring calm to the area was truncated on January 9 , 2021 , when one Michael Jayeola , a member of the Black Axe
Confraternity , was shot dead and his right arm was severed at the Ijebu Mushin Market.
He said, “ I , therefore , want to sound a note of warning to all the leaders , rank and file members , counsellors and procurers of cultists , and others, who are nursing the ambition of joining them that the command is all out for you all. We are determined ; we are battle ready.
“ Henceforth, any person, cultist or not , found with weapon or displaying weapon in the public , or using same to maim or kill in Ijebu Ode metropolis and environs , and indeed in any part of the state , will be dealt with in the most decisive manner.
“ It will be fire for fire , and whoever is arrested will be made to face appropriate charges , including attempted murder , murder , armed robbery and kidnapping . This warning is for all the youth and parents in Ijebu Ode and environs in particular , and to the general public at large .
“ I , therefore , want to appeal that all hands must be on the deck to check the disturbing activities of these hoodlums, which are portraying Ijebu Ode and its environs in bad light.”
