Deadly cult clashes erupted in the Alogi, Somorin, and Obantoko areas of Ogun State on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least four people. The violent confrontations involved members of the Eiye and Aye confraternities, two rival cult groups.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the clashes started when members of the Eiye group allegedly attacked and killed a member of the Aye confraternity. In a retaliatory move, Aye cultists struck back, killing an Eiye member. This led to further violence as both groups continued their attacks in different locations.
An anonymous witness shared that the situation quickly escalated, with cultists firing gunshots in the Aregbe area, causing panic among residents. “Initially, I thought cultists’ rampage thrived more in Lagos than any state in Nigeria, but what I witnessed on Saturday in Ogun State had proved me wrong. Indeed, I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t witness it,” the witness said.
The source further noted that the clashes happened near the state police headquarters in Aregbe. According to the witness, officers from the Divisional Police Command responded to a distress call and rushed to the scene in an effort to restore order. Despite police intervention, four individuals were reportedly shot dead in Somorin, Anobi, and Alogi, all within the Obantoko area.
Another source, however, disputed the casualty figure, stating that only two people lost their lives in the confrontation. The individual noted that the simultaneous clashes left many residents in fear, as gunfire rang out across multiple locations.
“A cult violence took place in Abeokuta between Eiye and Aye cult groups, leading to revenge and retaliation. The first incident occurred in Somorin, Obantoko, where an Eiye cultist allegedly took the life of one Yusuf, suspected to be a member of the Aye cult group. When the news of his death spread to members of his group, the Aye cultists in a retaliatory attack targeted and killed an Eiye cultist named Sula at Alogi, Obantoko. The two incidents left residents of the area in a panic mood and occurred at almost the same time,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, stated, “Yes, there was,” but did not provide further details regarding the exact number of casualties.
Residents of the affected areas remain on edge, as cult-related violence has continued to be a recurring issue. In April 2024, a similar clash in Alogi led to the death of a man identified as Azeez Olaitan after an attack by suspected Aye cultists. Many locals have called for stronger security measures to curb the growing menace of cultism in the region.
