Following recurrent cult clashes in Ikorodu town of Lagos State, residents of Ikorodu community have sent a save-our-soul message to the Nigerian Police, Lagos State Command and the Ayangbure and paramount ruler of Ikorodu Division, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi to immediately arrest the incessant cult clashes and violence currently pervading the once peaceful community.
It will be recalled that residents woke up on Friday, 7th June to the news of another cult clash which reportedly claimed four lives, including a husband and wife in ‘Obun ale’ and Itunpate areas of Ikorodu. The entire community was thrown into a state of confusion during the most part of the day.
It took the personal intervention of the Commissioner of Police, CP Zubairu Mu’azu who had to pay an unscheduled visit to the town coupled with a detachment of combined security agencies, comprising of the Police, men of the Nigerian Army, Lagos Neighbourhood Service Corp and the Onyabo local vigilante group to arrest the situation and bring the situation under control.
About 24 hours after the unfortunate incident, the entire residents of the town are still living in palpable fear and panic over a possible reprisal attack by the warring cult groups.
Consequently, some concerned residents have called on the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Shotobi toimmediately arrest the security situation in his domain before it escalates beyond control.
Some residents of Solomade, Isikalu and Ayangburen Streets of the town, who pleaded anonymity disclosed that they now sleep with their two eyes open, with their lives being daily threatened by the warring cult groups. Some of the residents who spoke with Ikorodu Oga Radio stated that they were forced to remain indoors for the most part of the Friday, due to the unexpected violent clash.
Meanwhile, the ancient 9days ‘Iworo’ local market which incidentally coincides with the clash was badly affected as most traders and residents deserted the market. Ikorodu Oga Radio correspondent who visited the market reports that the market was scanty, with only few courageous traders and residents seen.
Similarly, some business owners and traders operating along the Ayangburen road axis have complained bitterly of disruption of their business activities by the rampaging cult groups.
On a visit to Ita Elewa, Owolowo and Ayangburen areas, many businesses and shops were under lock and key, because of the violent clash. As at 6pm on Friday, most of the shops along Owolowo street were still firmly closed, with only few people seen on the once busy road.
