The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of nine individuals in connection with the weekend killing of around eight people in Sagamu when rival cult groups clashed.
CP Abiodun Alamutu disclosed during a press briefing in Abeokuta, the remote cause of the clashes to be a land transaction that took place in the town.
“A land was sold and some form of commission or settlement was paid to a cult group by the owner of the land. A rival cult group got to know about the payment and went after members of the other group in a bid to get a share of the commission.
“The situation degenerated into an attack and counter-attack situation which started from Wednesday last week and continued till Sunday, leading to the death of 8 persons,”
In addition, he detailed the arrest of several leaders of opposing cult groups.
“As we speak, approximately nine suspects have been arrested with evidence of their involvement in the killings.” “Two guns and some rounds of cartridges were recovered from the suspects, along with evidence that they had recently been fired,” he added.
According to the Police Commissioner, the investigation into the killings is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Local Government Area has restricted motorbike use in the area between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. everyday, as authorities work to restore order to the turbulent town.