Kwara State Police Command has arrested 46 suspects in connection with the public disturbances that occurred in some parts of Ilorin, the state capital between Saturday and yesterday.

The command also confirmed that one person lost his life to the incidents while another was fatally injured.

The spokesperson of the command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement yesterday, confirmed that, “fourteen of the 46 suspects have been linked to the recent cult activities in the Ilorin metropolis.”

Ejie-Adeyemi said, “In the early hours of April 13, 2024, a disturbing incident of culpable homicide occurred at Ile-Film/Bolanta road in Ilorin. Suspected cultists attacked and fatally shot Adelodun Farouq, a 36-year-old resident of Eleran Compound. The victim was buried according to Islamic rites without the knowledge of the police. Preliminary investigations indicate that one Abubakar Gobir, a member of the Ayee confraternity, was involved in the crime.

“Later that evening, at about 2000hrs, reports emerged of further cult activities in Ile-Alawo compound, Centre Igboro. Unidentified cultists assaulted Abdullahi Alao, a 35-year-old motorcycle rider, with a machete cut to his head. Alao was subsequently taken to an unknown location by his younger brother.

“ On April 14, 2024, another incident of criminal conspiracy involving suspected cultists was reported in various areas including Baboko, Ile Onimago, Adabata and Eruda. Miscreants engaged in a violent confrontation; a free-for-all combat, using weapons such as broken bottles and stones, leading to the blockage of Baboko road. Swift action was taken by the DPO C Division and six patrol teams, supported by men of the community policing were mobilized to quell the disturbance.

“During the operation, 46 suspects were apprehended and handed over to the State Command Anti-Cultist Unit for further investigation. Fourteen of the 46 suspects arrested have been linked to the recent cult activities in the Ilorin metropolis. Normalcy has since been restored to the affected areas, the road barricades have been cleared, and residents are able to resume their daily activities.

“The commissioner of police, Victor Olaiya urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly,” the police spokesperson said.