…20 arrested, houses burnt

By Victor Akinkuolie

|

Palpable tension has gripped the residents of Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo West Local Government area of Ondo state, over repeated cult clashes in the community.

The incident which occurred at Ayeyemi area of the community has thrown the entire community into serious panic as two members of suspected cult group were said to have been shot dead during a bloody clash that broke out between two rival groups.

Trouble started when a popular suspected member of “Eiye ” confraternity allegedly shut dead another member of a rival group during a clash that broke out between the two groups

The development, our correspondent gathered, prompted members of one of the rival groups to embark on a revenge mission and retaliation.

It was gathered that the group on revenge mission set a house, belonging to a member of their rivals, located in the area ablaze.

It was gathered that a member of the rival confraternity group, a middle aged man was also shut dead in the reappraisal attack.

During the attack which lasted for about three hours, several members of the two warring cult groups, including innocent residents of the area sustained injuries.

The incident, it was further gathered, has caused serious panic among residents of the area.

However, combined teams of police officers from the Anti-Crime squard of the State Police command has continued to parade the are apparently to prevent further breaking down of law and order.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State command, Funmi Odunlami confirmed the arrest of the 20 persons in relation to the incident.

She explained that six people out of the 20 arrested were members of some cult groups in the area.