A renewed wave of cult-related violence has rocked the Atan-Ota area of Ogun State, following the brutal killing of a 44-year-old man, identified as Bashiru Saidu, on Sunday night. The Ogun State Police Command has since launched a manhunt for four armed men suspected to be cultists linked to the deadly attack.
Information gathered from sources in the community indicates that the incident stemmed from a violent clash between rival cult groups operating in the area. The assailants, believed to be members of a rival faction, reportedly stormed the scene on two motorcycles and shot the victim in the head before fleeing.
Saidu, who was said to be a known member of the Eiye Confraternity, was attacked along Bankole Onibukun Street in Atan-Ota. According to residents, the area has experienced growing tensions among cult groups in recent weeks, prompting calls for increased security presence before the latest outbreak of violence.
Confirming the incident to reporters on Monday, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, stated that a distress call was received around 10:00 p.m. on Sunday night alerting police to the gun attack.
“The Ogun State Police Command has commenced an intensive investigation into the fatal shooting of one Bashiru Saidu, aged 44, who was killed by suspected cultists in Atan-Ota. Four armed men arrived at the scene on two motorcycles, shot the victim in the head, and escaped immediately,” she said.
She further disclosed that officers from the Atan-Ota Divisional Headquarters responded swiftly to the call, but the assailants had already disappeared by the time they arrived. Saidu was found with a fatal gunshot wound and was confirmed dead on the spot. His remains have been deposited at the State Hospital Mortuary in Ilaro for autopsy and further examination.
In reaction to the murder, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, ordered the immediate deployment of the Anti-Cultism Unit to the affected area. The unit has been directed to lead a comprehensive investigation with the goal of apprehending those responsible for the heinous crime.
“The command has zero tolerance for cult-related violence and is committed to ensuring the perpetrators of this attack are brought to justice,” Odutola added.
She reiterated the police’s determination to stamp out cultism across the state and called on residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious movements or individuals in their communities.
This killing comes on the heels of heightened security operations in various parts of Ogun State. Just weeks ago, officers apprehended 14 suspected cult members in the Ijagun axis of Ijebu-Ode. Intelligence reports had revealed they were plotting an attack on a rival group, which was averted through a timely police intervention.
In a separate operation carried out by the command’s tactical teams, a kidnapping plot was also foiled in the Abigi area, with suspects arrested and currently facing interrogation.
As cult violence continues to threaten peace in parts of Ogun, security authorities have assured residents of intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore law and order across all communities.