NIGERIA: Osun Police Warn Against Cult Clash Over Emir’s Killing

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Osun State Police Command has warned of a possible cult-related clash following threats by a group identified as the “Congress of Cultists” to stage a protest over the killing of Dauda Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir.

The proposed protest, reportedly scheduled for Monday, was allegedly linked to plans to attack a rival cult group in retaliation for Oyeyemi’s death.

The group, reportedly associated with the Neo-Black Movement, also known as Black Axe, had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Osun State Government to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing or face a protest.

The development comes amid another killing in Osogbo involving Adejuwon Adekunle, also known as Asa, who was reportedly killed at his barbecue spot.

Adekunle had allegedly recorded a video in which a man identified as Alowonle denied involvement in Oyeyemi’s murder.

The police said it had received intelligence on the planned protest and warned that any attempt to exploit the killings for violence would be met with a decisive response.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, urged individuals and groups to seek lawful means of resolving grievances.

The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Osun State Police Command has been drawn to a notice of protest purportedly issued by a faceless group identified through intelligence as the ‘Congress of Cultists,’ allegedly associated with the Neo-Black Movement, also known as Black Axe.”

The command warned that it would not permit the proposed protest or any other activity connected to the killings to threaten public safety.

It stated: “The Command is using this medium to warn any individual or group planning to cause chaos, disturb public peace, or engage in any form of criminality to have a rethink. The police and other security agencies will not fold their hands and allow miscreants to use any opportunity to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and destruction of lives and properties. Our operatives will respond decisively and appropriately to any action capable of threatening the peace and security of the state.”

Meanwhile, the command said it had commenced a discreet investigation into the recent killings and obtained useful leads.

According to the police, some suspects linked to the incident remained at large, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend them.

The command appealed to members of the public with relevant information to assist the investigation, assuring them that such information would be treated confidentially.

It said: “The Osun State Police Command will not relent in its efforts until all persons found to be involved in the incident are arrested and brought before the appropriate authorities to face the full wrath of the law.”