The atmosphere in Sagamu town has been tense lately due to clashes between rival cult groups. This has caused residents to live in perpetual fear. According to Bankole Taiwo, at least four bloody cult clashes have been recorded in Sagamu between January and September, resulting in the loss of about 30 lives.

In an effort to address the situation, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, directed the state Commissioner of Police, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, and the Director of the Department of State Services to relocate their operations to Sagamu and apprehend those involved in the cult activities. However, the clashes have continued.

The Odofin of Sonyindo, Sagamu, Oba Gisanrin Lasisi, confirmed that there have been reported cases of four cult clashes in Sagamu this year. He described the most recent clash as the most deadly, with the cultists operating as if engaged in guerrilla warfare. Oba Gisanrin attributed the rise of cultism to broken homes, drug abuse, and the prevalence of cybercrime.

Another resident of Sagamu mentioned the involvement of politicians and alleged compromise on the part of the police as factors contributing to the problem. The resident claimed that the cultists were armed by the two major political parties during elections, and when they are arrested, they are quickly released due to political interference.

A clergyman in the town, Pastor Oluwatoyin Awofeso, highlighted the erosion of key family values as a reason for the persistence of cult clashes. He emphasized the need for parents to fulfill their responsibilities and instill discipline and fear of God in their children.

Unemployment was also identified as a contributing factor to the problem, as able-bodied men are seen gathering in groups instead of going to work. The involvement of drugs was mentioned as well, with the availability of drugs in Sagamu being a major concern.

Recently, the Department of State Services arrested Hon Damilare Bello, a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, along with six other alleged cultists involved in the Sagamu violence. The arrest has been described by the Peoples Democratic Party as intimidation and harassment.

In response to the ongoing cult clashes, Governor Abiodun has threatened to enact a law that would impose the death penalty for cultism offenses in the state. He also proposed the establishment of a special court to handle cultism-related cases and an amnesty program for cultists who wish to renounce their affiliation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, has vowed to deal decisively with anyone disturbing the peace of the state. He attributed the recent Sagamu killings to a dispute over money and land between rival cult gangs.

The residents of Sagamu believe that the cult killings can be reduced if there is no interference from politicians when the cultists are apprehended. They view the support these groups receive from politicians as a major challenge in combating the issue.

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