Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person and the arrest of five suspects following a violent clash between rival cult groups in the Onireke and Isashi communities of Badagry, Lagos State.

Operatives responding to a distress call recovered a locally made pistol, two pump-action guns, 52 live cartridges, two used cartridges, a Toyota Avalon (registration number KTU 610 JB), a laptop, mobile phones, and other dangerous weapons from the suspects.

The suspects identified as Victor Christian, 43; Samuel Success, 29; Balogun Emmanuel, 43; Wisdom Chukwuemeka, 28; and Oche Job, 39, were apprehended by tactical operatives of the Lagos Police Command during a coordinated operation that restored calm to the affected communities.

The command’s spokeswoman, SP Abimbola Adebisi, revealed the clash occurred around 10pm on Saturday, prompting a distress call to the police.

“The Divisional Police Officer, alongside commanders of the tactical squad, led operatives and detectives to the scene where three victims were found and rushed to the hospital. Sadly, one of them was confirmed dead at the Badagry General Hospital,” she said. 

A subsequent raid of the area led to the arrest of five suspects at a nearby hotel believed to be their hideout. 

She stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing cult members, while security patrols and surveillance have been intensified in the affected communities to forestall reprisals. The suspects are in custody and would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response. He reaffirmed the command’s determination to rid Lagos of cultism and other violent crimes.