One person identified as Kanu, suspected to be a member of the Eiye confraternity, was reportedly killed by some suspected members of a rival cult group in the Iwo Road area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Sunday.
PUNCH Metro gathered from a source who pleaded anonymity due to the nature of the incident on Tuesday that Kanu was killed in what was suspected to be part of the activities of the rival cult group called Aiye who were reportedly celebrating their 7 7 anniversary on the said date.
The 7 7 Day Celebration is a cult-related activity where suspected members of the Aiye confraternity often initiate new members and which is usually marred by violence and killings.
Some Aiye members were said to have waylaid Kanu in the area and shot at him in the early hours of the day, where he allegedly died on the spot.
A photograph of the scene obtained by our correspondent shows the lifeless body of the victim in the pool of his blood.
The source added that the sound of gunshots caused panic among the residents of the area, with some fleeing to avoid being caught in the fracas.
The source said, “Kanu is a known member of Eiye in this area. He was killed by some guys who were suspected to be Aiye members. That was the day they were having their 7 7 celebration.
“They waylaid him and shot at him, leaving him in the pool of his blood. There was tension because people were running helter-skelter to avoid becoming victims of their fracas.”
Confirming the incident in a terse message, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, said an investigation had begun into the matter.
He added that further details would be made available to the public soon.
“Investigation is in progress. Updates will be provided, please,” the PPRO said.
PUNCH Metro reported on Tuesday that no fewer than 121 suspects were arrested during a police clampdown on suspected cultists planning to celebrate a cult programme tagged 7 7 Day Celebration in Benue and Plateau states.
Our correspondents had gathered from separate statements from the Benue and Plateau Police commands that the suspects were arrested at different locations in the states.
While 118 suspects were arrested in Plateau, three suspects were arrested in Benue.
