Police arrest 11 LAUTECH students over planned cult attack in Oyo

Oyo State Police have arrested 11 suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity, all identified as students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso. The arrests occurred during a coordinated operation that thwarted an alleged planned attack within the university community.

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The professionalism, vigilance and prompt action displayed by our operatives prevented what could have escalated into violent attacks within the student community.

Operatives from the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) acted on credible intelligence that cult members had gathered in local hideouts to finalize plans for coordinated attacks. The police stormed these locations, disrupting the alleged plot and apprehending the 11 suspects without incident. The operation also resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted their membership in the Eiye Confraternity. Preliminary investigations suggest they are linked to several cult-related criminal activities, including murder. The arrested individuals include alleged group leader Adedapo Victor, 24, and second-in-command Taiwo Rasheed, 22, along with nine others, all confirmed to be LAUTECH students.

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Their swift intervention underscores the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and maintaining public order.

Recovered items included four locally made pistols, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, two cult axes, a cutlass, a dagger, and a red cult hooded cap. Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga praised the operatives' swift action, stating it prevented potential serious violence. He assured residents that all individuals connected to the criminal network would face justice and that efforts are underway to capture any fleeing members. The command urged the public to continue supporting security efforts to eliminate cultism and violent crime in Oyo State.

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Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, and all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. We remain resolute in our determination to rid Oyo State of cultism and other violent crimes.