Four killed, two injured in suspected cult attack in Kwara

By Ahmed Olayinka

No fewer than four persons lost their lives, while two others sustained gunshot injuries following a suspected cult-related attack in the Post Office area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

THE PRIME NEWS gathered that the incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Sunday when a group of armed men reportedly stormed a bamboo shanty bar located along the railway corridor and opened fire on individuals gathered at the scene before fleeing.

Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command said its operatives swiftly responded to a distress call and evacuated the victims to the Police Clinic for emergency medical treatment.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command disclosed that four of the victims were confirmed dead, while two others are currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

“Police operatives promptly responded to the distress call and rushed the victims to the Police Clinic. Regrettably, four of the victims were confirmed dead by medical personnel, while two others are currently receiving treatment,” the statement read.

The police spokesperson said preliminary investigations indicated that the attack was cult-related, adding that two suspected members of a notorious cult group had been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to her, the suspects are currently in custody and are assisting investigators with useful information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal gang.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident is cult-related. Comprehensive investigations led to the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious and deadly cult group linked to the attack.

“The suspects are currently in custody and are providing useful information to assist ongoing investigations and facilitate the identification and apprehension of other members of the criminal gang,” she stated.

Ejire-Adeyemi further revealed that tactical, intelligence, and covert operatives have been deployed to track down all those involved in the attack, assuring residents that the command remains committed to bringing every suspect to justice.

“Tactical, intelligence and covert assets have been fully mobilised to track down every individual connected to the crime, with a firm commitment that all suspects will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” she added.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, condemned the killings, describing the attack as a senseless act of violence and criminality that poses a serious threat to public peace and safety.

“The Command views the incident as a grave threat to public peace and safety and will not relent until all those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the commissioner stated.

The police command extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery. It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support ongoing investigations by providing credible information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the fleeing suspects.