Four people have been reportedly killed in renewed clashes between members of two confraternities – Eiye and Aye – in Ogun state.
The clashes followed attacks and reprisals from members of the cult groups in Alogi Somorin and Obantoko area of the state.
Residents privy to the unfortunate incident said trouble started after some members of the Eiye group were killed by colleagues from the Aye cult group leading to a reprisal from cultists from the former.
However, cult clashes between both Eiye and Aye confraternities in the areas are not new.
The incident which occurred on Sunday left four people dead, a resident said.
A source who pleaded anonymity said, the cultists, during the attacks, shot sporadically into the air, thereby terrifying residents.
“Initially, I thought cultists’ rampage thrived more in Lagos than any state in Nigeria, but what I witnessed on Saturday in Ogun State had proved me wrong. Indeed, I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t witness it.
“I am presently in Ogun State on an assignment, staying somewhere around Aregbe close to the state police headquarters. In that area, there is a Divisional Police Command.
“I went to buy some toiletries near the division this evening. Suddenly, I saw the DPO with some of his boys moving in a war-like manner responding to a distress call,” the source said.
However, another source stated only two people were killed during the attacks.
According to the source, residents in the communities affected were seen scampering for safety for fear of being killed or injured by bullets.
“A cult violence took place in Abeokuta between Eiye and Aye cult groups, leading to revenge and retaliation. The first incident occurred in Somorin, Obantoko, where an Eiye cultist allegedly took the life of one Yusuf suspected to be a member of the Aye cult group.
“When the news of his death spread to members of his group, the Aye cultists in a retaliatory attack targeted and killed an Eiye cultist named Sula at Alogi, Obantoko,” the source added.
The source also noted that both the attack and reprisal from both confraternities occurred within a short time.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Police Command in Ogun State, Omolola Odutola said there was an attack by cultists in the area.
She, however, did not give details of the incident or casualties from the clashes.
She said, “Yes, there was.”
