Four suspected Eiye Confraternity members arrested in Kwara raid
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists during a targeted operation in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle cult-related violence and other criminal activities in the state.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected cult members and violent criminals operating within the community.
The operation was carried out on June 11 during a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts in Ijagbo, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
Police said one of the suspects, Idowu Akorede of Ijagbo, was identified as the alleged Capon of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity and was arrested at a hideout within the community. Three other suspects were subsequently arrested during follow-up operations.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are members of a gang allegedly involved in cult-related activities, robbery and other violent crimes. The group has been linked to attacks on residents and the theft of valuables, incidents that reportedly heightened fear among members of the community.
According to the police, the suspects attempted to resist arrest and allegedly attacked operatives with broken bottles in a bid to escape. The officers, however, subdued and arrested them without sustaining injuries.
The suspects have been transferred to Ilorin and remain in police custody as investigations continue. The command said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication to duty. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating all forms of criminality and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance public safety across the state.
