The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of one of the two suspected cultists arrested at Baboko Area of Ilorin, Kwara State capital city.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sp Okasanmi Ajayi, the command explained the circumstances behind the death of the suspected cultist.
“The command also wishes to allay the fear and anxiety of the people of Ilorin, especially in Baboko area where some hoodlums blocked the road, preventing free flow of traffic this morning, in protest of the incident of the arrested suspected cultist, who in an attempt to escape from the police took a dive into the river close to the scene of the arrest, the hoodlums took to the street and blocked the road.
“It happened that, the arrest came on the heels of an actionable intelligence available to the Command, indicating that some suspected cultists were assembled at an uncompleted building in Baboko in readiness for an attack, A team of detectives were detailed to the scene.
“Two of the suspects were arrested, while taking them to the station, one of the suspect by name Musbau Saheed ‘m’ jumped into a nearby river close to the scene, an attempt by the police and fire Service Officers to rescue him was delayed by hoodlums who made the rescue attempt difficult, eventually he was rescued and taken to hospital where he was confirmed dead,” it stated.
The commissioner of police, CP Mohammed Lawal Bagega, who visited the scene has directed a discreet investigation into the matter, adding that efforts are being geared toward arresting the fleeing members of the group, the police spokesperson said.
He advised members of the public to go about their lawful endeavors without any fear and assured that adequate security arrangements have been emplaced in all parts of the state to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.