By Our Reporter

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three secondary school students in connection with a suspected cult initiation in Owode-Yewa, following intelligence about a planned gathering involving students from different schools.

The suspects, aged 12, 18 and 18, were apprehended during an operation conducted by police detectives in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday, explaining that the operation followed information received by the command on October 22, 2026, about a planned cult-related event tagged “Kito Day”.

According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer in Owode-Yewa immediately deployed detectives to the location after receiving the intelligence.

“The Ogun State Police Command has foiled a suspected cult initiation in Owode-Yewa, arresting three students aged 12, 18 and 18 following timely intelligence about a planned cult-related activity tagged ‘Kito Day’ involving students from different secondary schools in the area,” the statement read.

The operation also led to the recovery of several items suspected to be connected to the planned activity.

“The operation led to the arrest of the three suspects and the recovery of one English axe, two knives, one short cutlass, one rubber toy gun and a school bag,” the statement added.

The command said the suspects would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, today, 23rd October 2026, for further investigation and possible prosecution,” the statement said.

By Our Reporter with agency report

Four local vigilantes have been killed by gunmen who attacked Shurum village in Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to a report by Vanguard, the incident reportedly occurred at about 11:56pm on Friday, when the assailants invaded the community and attacked the vigilantes while they were on duty protecting residents.

A community member, Mr Bulus Bature, confirmed the killings, expressing sadness over the death of the volunteers who had taken it upon themselves to safeguard their neighbourhood.

“They were watching over our community when the gunmen struck and killed them.”

Bature lamented the attack, describing it as a painful loss for the community, particularly because the victims were killed while carrying out their voluntary security duties.

“It is painful that people who volunteered to protect their community could be attacked and killed while carrying out their duty.”

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, also confirmed the incident.

Tengwong said the association had received reports of the attack, which claimed the lives of four people.

“We received information about the attack and can confirm that four people were killed by the gunmen.”

He condemned the killings, describing the targeting of community members involved in local security efforts as unfortunate.

“It is unfortunate that our people, who were keeping watch over their community, were targeted and killed.”

The BYM spokesman expressed concern over the latest violence and called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

“We are deeply saddened by this latest attack and call on the relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

Tengwong warned that residents should not be left to live in constant fear, particularly when those volunteering to protect their communities were themselves becoming targets of attacks.

“Our people cannot continue to live in fear while those volunteering to protect their communities are being attacked and killed.”

He also urged the government and security agencies to increase security measures in the affected communities to prevent further attacks.

“We appeal to the government and security agencies to strengthen security around the affected communities.”

Efforts to obtain comments from security operatives on the incident were unsuccessful as of press time.

(VANGUARD)

By Our Reporter

The Rivers State Police Command has removed two senior officers from their positions pending an investigation into allegations that suspected cultists renovated a police outpost in the state and celebrated the project alongside police personnel.

The affected officers are the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Abuloma Police Division and the divisional officer overseeing the police outpost where the renovation took place.

The development followed the circulation of a viral video showing individuals suspected to be cult members celebrating the completion of the renovation at the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a full investigation into the incident, according to a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe.

The statement, titled ‘Rivers State Police Command Condemns Purported Renovation of Abuloma Police Outpost by Suspected Cultists, Relieves Officers, Orders Full Investigation’, said the two officers had been queried and relieved of their duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

The command expressed concern that the incident could undermine public confidence in the police and create an impression of acceptance or recognition of suspected criminal groups.

The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has taken cognisance of a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to celebrate the completion of the renovation.

“The Command strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.

“Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.

“Under the leadership of CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, the Command maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the Police.

“Consequently, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected Police Outpost have been queried and relieved of their duties pending investigation.

“Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation.”

According to the command, investigators will determine whether the renovation was officially approved, whether established procedures were followed and whether any police personnel violated professional standards in connection with the project.

The investigation will also examine the identities of the individuals or groups that funded or facilitated the renovation and establish whether the necessary checks were conducted before the work commenced.

However, the police clarified that community contributions towards improving police facilities are permissible under the law, provided they do not compromise the independence and integrity of the force.

The statement added, “The Command welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.

“However, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.

“The investigation will establish whether the necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed or facilitated the renovation.

“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution.

“The Command reiterates that it will not condone unprofessional conduct, compromise or any form of improper association with criminal elements by any police officer.

“All personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties.”

The command said any individual found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal measures in accordance with the findings of the investigation and applicable laws.

It also appealed to residents to remain calm and provide credible, timely information that could assist security agencies in maintaining peace across the state.

In the video circulating online, the individuals suspected to be cultists appeared to present themselves as students, at intervals chanting “greatest Nigerian students” before reportedly switching to slogans associated with cult groups.

They were seen wearing black trousers and white shirts, with some donning red fez caps and others black berets. The group appeared to celebrate in front of the renovated police facility alongside some police officers.

Naija Confra, an online platform focused on exposing and discouraging cultism, also shared videos and photographs purportedly showing the individuals chanting slogans at the outpost on Thursday.

The footage reportedly showed the individuals taking photographs with police officers at the facility before the celebrations.

It was gathered that October 15 marks the annual anniversary of the Vikings confraternity.

The police have yet to announce the outcome of their investigation.