Operatives attached to the Sango Division of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested two suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity, responsible for series of cult-related clashes at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Spokesperson for the command, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement on Wednesday, said the arrest of the suspects caught in possession of fire arms and charms, thwarted their plan to unleash violence on a rival cult group on the campus.

The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the arrest of two suspected cultists and the recovery of a firearm at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

“Following a credible intelligence which was promptly reported to the police by a good Samaritan from the institution, that a group of young men suspected to be members of a secret cult were roaming within the campus with intent to unleash violence on a rival group, a team of police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Sango Division, swiftly mobilised to the institution.

“The duo of Lawal Opeyemi a.k.a “Aiki” ‘m,’ aged 31 years, and Olaniyan Opeyemi a.k.a “Bojan” ‘m,’ aged 29 years, both of Apete area, Ibadan, were arrested at the scene. A search conducted on them led to the recovery of one locally made double-barrel pistol, two live cartridges, and a black bag containing charms.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects have allegedly been responsible for a series of cult-related clashes within the institution. During interrogation, they confessed to being members of the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity and have been cooperating with investigators.

“Investigation is ongoing to determine the purpose of the sinister gathering, apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, and ensure that upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects are charged to court.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, while directing that the suspects be handed over to the command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for discreet and thorough investigation, commended the school authorities for the timely sharing of credible information, reiterating that community partnership remains sacrosanct to achieving a safer and more secure society.

Stating that the command remains resolute in its zero-tolerance against cultism and other violent crimes, Mr Haruna urged parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against joining secret and unhealthy groups capable of truncating their future.