Policemen attached to the Ilasamaja Division in Lagos State have arrested eight suspected cultists, including the leader of Black Axe, and an herbalist. Their arrests followed a clash, which began last week between members of Black Axe, alias Aiye, and their rival, Eiye.
It was learnt six of the suspects – Samsondeen Musari, Senibol Pwel, Opeyemi Shoyombo, Kosoko Abiola, Joshua Oke and Adekunle Akinbola – were nabbed last weekend at a hotel.
It was gathered policemen, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mrs. Titilayo Oriyomi, stormed the hideout, and arrested the suspects, who were clad in their regalia.
A resident said the Aiye leader, Emeka Ihuoma, and the herbalist, Adio, were held on Monday night when the clashes resumed.
He said: “There have been clashes between rival cults in Ilasa. Some of the cultists were arrested last weekend and on Monday. “The leader was found with two guns and ammunition. He had charms. The herbalist prepared charms for them.
“Policemen have taken over Ilasa to prevent another attack. We have been enjoying peace. Community leaders have gone to the DPO to thank her.”
Although the source could not say whether or not anybody died, a social media user, King, alleged four persons were killed.
It was learnt the clash started as a result of the murder of an Eiye member at Temitope Street, on July 12, prompting retaliation by Aiye boys on July 15.
Police spokesman Chike Oti denied anyone was killed in the clashes.
He said: “It is a lie that people were killed. The DPO did an excellent job in ensuring that the cultists did not have their way. She arrested the leader of the Aiye cult on Monday and recovered two guns with nine rounds of ammunition from him.”
