Osun cult clash: Gov Adeleke orders special operations

By Christiana Ekpa

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has directed security agencies to launch special operations to arrest and prosecute cultists engaging in rivalry battles across Ijeshaland.

The directive from the state government comes as a reaction to the spate of violence and attacks in parts of Ilesa township.

The directive follows the deaths of suspected cultists as a result of attacks orchestrated by rival members of opposing cult groups on Sunday and Tuesday in Ilesa. The attacks left four people dead in their wake.

While describing the development as shocking and reprehensible in a statement by Olawale Rasheed, his spokesperson, Gov Adeleke called on the Nigerian police and other security agencies to act decisively to stop cult clashes.

The governor also directed that the special operations include intelligence gathering to arrest the masterminds of the attacks and warned that all perpetrators would face the harsh reality of the law.

“I have been duly briefed on the developments in some parts of Ijeshaland. We will no longer tolerate actions capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state. We will not allow any group or individual to use their internal wars to endanger public peace. This is a matter that threatens law and order. We must enforce the law and ensure peace without delay. This is one violence too many.

“I have directed the Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs to swing into action without delay. Violence and attacks must stop, and perpetrators must be brought to book as urgently as possible,” the governor instructed.