IGODE, Nigeria – Tensions run high in the Baga Eriyo area of Ogun State after an armed group suspected of cult members invaded a burial ceremony, shooting a local vigilante member and injuring several attendees.
The community is now on edge as police and local security groups attempt to locate the perpetrators.
The attack was allegedly orchestrated by a notorious cult leader known as Scanley, who has been on the wanted list of the Igode Divisional Police Station.
According to eyewitnesses, Scanley, accompanied by another gang member known as James Schoolboy, invaded the ceremony before calling for reinforcements.
More than 20 cult group members arrived shortly after and began firing indiscriminately into the crowd.
Adekunle Enifeni, the vigilante member who was shot, recounted the traumatic experience.
“We were having burial prayers when Scanley and Schoolboy disrupted the event. I tried to restore peace and even informed the DPO [Divisional Police Officer] of Igode Police Station, who said he had dispatched officers. However, Scanley escalated the situation by calling in more gang members who started shooting.”
Enifeni stated that he tried escaping the bush when the additional gang members arrived.
“I knew my life was in danger. They shot at me as I tried to run into the bush. I managed to escape and was later rescued by locals who took me to Igode Police Station for medical treatment,” he said.
Enifeni also disclosed that Scanley and other gang members like Schoolboy, No Salary, Spirit, Azeez Parapara, and Ayewo are already wanted for the killing of another vigilante member in the Fakale community.
“They are notorious and have been terrorizing the community for a while. Scanley was arrested some months back, but his godfather, Sir K, facilitated his release,” he added.
Scanley and his gang have been sending threats to local vigilantes for some time. “After we arrested one of their members for robbery, they mobilized and attacked me as retaliation,” Enifeni said.
Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, stated that she had not received an official report of the attack yet.
“We are gathering information and will act accordingly once we verify the details,” she said.
This attack has raised serious concerns about community safety and the effectiveness of local law enforcement in Ogun State.
Residents are now calling for swift action to apprehend these criminals and restore peace to their community.
