Two Suspected cultists killed in shootout with the police

Suspected cultists on Friday evening engaged the police in a shootout in the Somolu area of Lagos. In the shootout, which lasted for hours, two suspected cultists were reportedly killed, while two others were arrested. PUNCH Metro learnt that the gun battle swept through Moshalashi to Awoseyin streets in the area, creating panic among residents...

Our correspondent gathered that the policemen who stormed the area were operatives of the state Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja. It was further learnt that the suspected cultists, on sighting the police team, opened fire on them, which led to the shootout.It was gathered that prior to the arrival of the police, some of the suspected cultists were said to have attacked an executive of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in the neighbouring Onipanu area. The yet-to-be-identified union worker reportedly escaped from the place, shortly after which the police arrived.During a visit to the affected streets on Saturday, our correspondent observed a police Rapid Response Squad van patrolling the place. It was also noted that the panic created by the previous day’s shootout could still be felt as some people were overheard discussing the incident.One of them, who identified himself simply as Ladele, told PUNCH Metro that the police indeed had a gun duel with the cultists.He said, “I witnessed the shootout. It was at about 8pm on Moshalashi Street. The gunshots could be heard everywhere. The police came to the area to arrest some notorious cultists, and those guys put up resistance. However, in the end, I think they were able to arrest them.”The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, could not be reached on the telephone.