Kunle ADELABU
-Ikorodu not supporting our fight against cultism- Onyabo
-We are ready to give Onyabo, police needed supports – Council Chairman
-Apprehended cultists to be charged today
CP Muazu, Lagos Police Chief, Hon. Adeshina, Council Chairman and Mr Olabinjo, Onyabo leader
Two kingpins of one of the cult groups that have been terrorizing Ikorodu township recently were apprehended last night (Wednesday, April 3) in a combined raid by security agencies in Ikorodu.
According to report, those apprehended are simply identified as Dolapo and Computer. The two cultists allegedly played major roles in the cult clash that threw Ikorodu into pandemonium on Monday, April 1st.
They were reportedly arrested on a motorcycle while attempting to flee the town due to the manhunt launched by the security agencies.
A reliable source also informed our reporter that the Area Commander has ordered that some of the arrested cultists suspects should be charged to court today while the investigations to ascertain the level of involvement of others in the crisis should continue.
Unknown to the embattled cultists, the combined security team had deployed personnel (both conventional and unconventional) around the town trailing them.
THE IMPACT, in our report on the renewed cult clash yesterday, reported that a high-powered security meeting among security agencies were held on the order of the Area N Commander after gathering intelligence that members of the rival cult groups, whose recent activities have instilled fears in the residents of Ikorodu, are planning to carry out another deadly assault last tonight.
Involved in the operations were head of MOPOL unit in Igbogbo, Divisional Police Officers in Ikorodu and its environment, Anti-Cultism team, SARS, DSS, Neighbourhood Watch and Onyabo Vigilance Group among others.
Meanwhile, members of the combatant cult groups were unable to perpetuate the planned onslaught due to the heavy security presence at strategic locations in and around the town.
We gathered that the operations of the combined security team will continue today to further checkmate the activities of the cultists and other criminal acts in Ikorodu.
Also, security agencies are said to be on the trail of a leader of a particular cult group in Lagos State Polytechnic for his involvement in initiating people into cult in Ikorodu.
THE IMPACT gathered that one of the suspects arrested before last night’s operation confessed that the said cult leader was among those that initiated him.
Meanwhile, THE IMPACT gathered that members of the Onyabo local vigilance group, who have been complementing the efforts of the police and other security agencies since Monday to combat the cultists through 24 hour patrol and operations, has not received any support from any quarter in Ikorodu except the meagre fund from its leader, Lanre Olanbinjo.
It was gathered that the hardworking members of the group go to operations on empty stomach most times.
A source informed THE IMPACT that the group would have made a major breakthrough in its fight against cultism on Wednesday when they pursued a notorious cult leader, who shot at them severally, but were unable to capture him because they were not armed.
The local security operatives also alleged that some of the suspected cultists are been harboured and protected by their parents and girlfriends and this, according to them, made it difficult for them to apprehend them.
Speaking with THE IMPACT, a source within the group confirmed the incident.
“It’s quite unfortunate that we are sacrificing our lives for this town and nobody seems to care. Most times, we face these hardened criminals who are operating under the influence of drugs with little or no weapons.
“Most times too, we operate with on empty stomach which is very bad. Just today (Wednesday), it was our leader that was responsible for our meals.
“Most of these boys (cultists) disturbing the peace of the town are sons of traditional chiefs and well known familes in Ikorodu. Ikorodu really need to stand up and join Onyabo and other security agencies in fighting these criminals if we truly want peace.
Another source also stated that :
“That is not surprising at all, we are used to that situation but should that always be the case? The community expect us to fight the menace and yet, they are not ready to assist us. We also have families at home which we left in pursuit of peace for this town.
“What has Ikorodu done to our members that died in action except for one or two individuals that have been assisting us? Whenever Ikorodu is ready to live up to its responsibilities and deal with the monster it created, that’s when we are going to win the war against cultism.
When contacted on phone, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, informed our reporter that he got to know about the crisis very late and quickly swung into action immediately he got news.
He stated that the former deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, has also called for a security meeting with the Area Commander and DPOs on the matter.
Adesina also told our reporter that he has established contact with the leader of Onyabo vigilance group on Wednesday and he is ready to provide the members of the group necessary assistance to combat the menace.
He also informed that the council is ready to give police the needed support to tackle the menace of cultism and other criminalities in Ikorodu and its environs.
Attempt to reach Onyabo leader, Lanre Labinjo, to confirm Hon. Adesina’s statement proved abortive as at the press time.
THE IMPACT also gathered that the Onyabo leader has been making frantic efforts to reach out to some individuals for assistance over the logistics of his team’s operations.
