20 feared dead as cultists clash in Sagamu

At least 20 young men were said to have been killed by cultists in Sagamu, the headquarters of Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

DAILY POST reports that the cultists of the Eiye and Aiye confraternities resumed their usual supremacy battle on Saturday.

Since then, the cultists have gruesomely killed about 20 young boys, including secondary school pupils.

In gory videos and photos shared online by residents, some of the victims of the attacks were seen lying in the pool of their blood, with one of their hands cut off by their assailants.

The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, has reacted to the cult killings in Sagamu.

Adejobi, on his X handle, said the situation in Sagamu goes beyond the deployment of an anti-cultism squad only, saying all hands must be on deck.

“Sagamu case goes beyond the mere anti cultism squad. The elders know how to handle them. The politicians know what to do. I was in their midst in Sagamu between 2006 and 2008. But no single cult clash before I left in 2008. I worked then with the late Akarigbo, Oba Michael Sonariwo and others,” he said.

The Force PRO added that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police should look inward and take action on the report by some residents that the cultists are well known to security agents.

“I will engage the CP on this. Whoever is dealing with cultists and criminals must not compromise. That person must stand firm, and operate against all odds.”

Adejobi added, “Most of those who cause this wahala (problem) in Sagamu are not even Sagamites. At times, they come from Ijebu Ode or Ago Iwoye to strike and move. In some cases, they come as far as Edo State. It’s a problem that the whole system must tackle, not only the security forces. It requires multi-track diplomacy.

“We will discuss this with the CP and take the necessary steps. In Sagamu, almost every young one is a cultist. Okada riders, artisans, etc. are into cultism even more than students, and I think the whole town and Remoland, in general, should take action on it.

“I think the community should rise up to it. They should have an urgent meeting with the heads of all the quarters in sagamu with the police and vigilante gp to address this matter. Sagamites know and understand what I am saying here. I worked in sagamu for almost 2 years.”

The PPRO in Ogun, Omolola Odutola, is yet to reply to inquiries about the incident.

Meanwhile, Nigerians are already reacting to the cult clashes in the Remo town.

Abdullah Ayofe Olaniyi said on Facebook: “The situation in Sagamu is worrisome. The level at which cultism is being practised and encouraged in that city is alarming. The government, police force must, as a matter of urgency, intervene and save the lives of the innocent people living under siege.

“Just yesterday (Sunday) Five (5) innocent secondary school students were gunned down at the barbershop by the cultists who were targeting the owner of the shop. This is saddening and heartbreaking. We need a strong policy of action to stop this madness.”

Josh Fatoye stated: “Just look at what is happening in Sagamu, over 20 persons were killed in one night because of cult clash. It is just unfortunate. This is how bad the society has turned into, that within a night, 20 people are being killed because of cult clash in a town like Sagamu.

“For how long will young people continue to kill themselves in the name of cultism? Honestly, there is serious work to be done. This incident has shown how rotten the system is, that 20 people will kill themselves in a night, not in a week, not in a month, in one night. 20 people have died because of the cult-clash.

“Honestly, there is a whole lot of work to be done in our society. Nigeria is today in a very depressing and sorry State. The system must wake up and rise to the occasion else the bar keeps getting low each day and the very final part of the moral fabric of our society is slowly eating away. Nigeria may soon become a Banana Republic if nothing is done to arrest the situation and restore normalcy to our dear society. Say no to cultism.”