The Ogun Police Command says it has arrested 40 suspects in various parts of the state in connection with the killing of 11 people during cult clashes at Emuren, Sagamu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that armed suspected cult members had on Thursday unleashed terror on the town, killing 11 people.
The command’s spokesman, SP Muyiwa Adejobi, told NAN that the suspects were picked up at Emuren, Ago Iwoye, Ijebu Igbo, Ota and Sagamu.
According to him, violent attacks are common during the annual anniversary of the cult groups
“We have arrested 40 persons. We are going to charge them to court on Monday for murder because lives have been affected.
“Those we arrested last year during similar anniversary are still in court facing murder charges,” he said.
Adejobi said police were also investigating the roles some traditional chiefs in the crisis.
“We have allegations that some traditional chiefs are harbouring and promoting them.
“We are going to spread the scope of our investigations to unravel this.
“If it is true, any community leader that is involved in promoting cultism will face the wrath of the law.
“We have 12 suspects from that angle. In Emuren alone we have three suspects. They said one of them is a son to a Chief, we are still investigating.”
Adejobi said, however, that the command had intelligence on a possible reprisal just as he expressed police combat readiness to deal with them.
“We have information that they are coming again with their new boss to attack Sagamu.” (NAN)