Deadly cult clash claims 4 lives in Ondo, sparks fear among residents

A violent clash between rival cult groups has claimed the lives of four individuals and left five others seriously injured in Ondo town, Ondo State.

The gruesome incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the community and renewed growing concerns over cult-related violence in the region.

According to eyewitnesses, the coordinated attacks took place in broad daylight at multiple locations, including Ife Garage, Sabo, and Christ Land in the Oka area of the town. Residents described scenes of chaos and panic as masked gunmen, believed to be members of a rival cult group, opened fire on their targets without warning.

Three victims were reportedly shot dead at Ife Garage, while another was gunned down in front of a popular local store known as “Mama Shop” in the Sabo area. The chilling nature of the attacks has left residents in fear, with many calling for immediate action from law enforcement agencies.

The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident and revealed that the deceased individuals were known cult members who had been on the police command’s wanted list.

“The command can confirm the murder of four people and five injured, all of whom belong to one cult group or the other. I want to appeal to members of the community to go about their lawful businesses without fear or panic. Security agencies are on the ground to protect lives and property,” the PPRO stated.

It was gathered that the police on Wednesday morning, May 28, raided some houses in New Garage, Ayeyemi, in Ondo, breaking doors to gain entry and arrest suspected cult members.

Speaking on the police raid conducted on Wednesday morning at New Garage, Ayeyemi in Ondo, Ayanlade stated: “Desperate times require desperate actions. Anyone arrested during the raid has one or two things to do with the clash. Our men have acted rightly, and if any of them are found to have acted wrongly, they will face disciplinary action. But if they have done the right thing, people should commend them.”

Meanwhile, the police are currently patrolling the affected areas, especially New Garage in Ayeyemi, believed to be a stronghold of one of the cult factions.