. Residents lament Awujale’s, police’s nonchalance
Ade Adebayo
Residents of communities in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, have been gripped by fear following a clash between two cult groups in the area.
The clash, which has been ongoing for four days now, has claimed the lives of three residents, who were killed by stray bullets.
Our correspondent, who was in some of the communities, gathered that residents now close their business premises as early as 5pm in order to avoid being attacked by the cult groups.
At Molipa area, it was leant that stray bullets killed three people among the passengers in a tricycle with the driver.
Ajoke Bamidele, a resident, narrated to our correspondent that the cult groups had taken advantage of the ban on SARS men by the government.
He said, “ There is no peace in Ijebu Ode again. We now live in fear unlike before. The cult groups will just face themselves on the streets firing guns. Yesterday, two people inside a NAPEP and the driver were shot dead by the cultist. They shot at the tricycle because the owner is one of their antagonists. They taught the owner was the one riding the tricycle; so they shot at it while they ran away.”
At Italapo, it was also gathered that a resident who was attacked by the cultists, was also killed.
The deceased, who was identified as Kamoru, was said to have tried to persuade the cult factions to sheath their sword.
“ The man Kamoru was said to be making efforts to stop the fight and one of the cultists said he was taking side. He was hacked to death in the midnight in his house”, another resident, Nike said.
Meanwhile, residents have been expressing disappointment with the manner government , police and Awujale, the traditional ruler of the town, had been handling the matter.
According to them, they have been left to be tormented by the cultists, who have made their lives miserable in the past few days.
Mama Ola, an elderly woman who spoke with our correspondent at Ita Alapo, said, “The traditional ruler, police have left us to these bad kids. As old as I am, I had to run for my life when they invaded this area two days ago. We know no nothing like peace again in this town where I was born. The police should come out and save us”
Another resident who pleaded anonymity, said, “Our king and his people have not done anything serious. Our life is in danger. Please help us to inform the government. We are not safe anymore in this town.”
Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the state command had deployed its men to end the cultists’ reign.
He also explained that six cult members have been arrested around Odogbolu, a neighbouring village to Ijebu Ode.
“We are on top of the situation. Six suspects have been arrested and our men are working to end the reign of the cultists. The residents should go about their businesses without fear. We will intensify efforts in this areas mentioned in Ijebu Ode”, Oyeyemi said.