The battle to end the incessant ritual killings by the notorious cult group popularly known by Badoo received a boost on Monday, July 31st, 2017, when the Lagos State Police Command uncovered a shrine in Agbowa in Epe division of Lagos State, allegedly belonging to the deadly gang.
According to report gathered the police team, which was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Edgal Imohimi, now commissioner uncovered the shrine while working on intelligence report from residents in the community.
During the operation the traditional ruler of a community in the axis of the operation was reported to have been arrested alongside three others in connection with the activities of Badoo cult killingsin Ikorodu division and the recent brutal murder of Mr. and Mrs. Adejare and two of their children and Oke-Ota in Ibeshe community of Ikorodu
The traditional ruler identify simplies as Awoyemi was said to have beenarrested for allowing his domain to be used as haven for Badoo boys to perform rituals with human blood.
Also the alleged owner of the shrine, Alaka Abayomi and two operators, whose identities were given as christain Junior and Bamidele Owoyemi were arrested inside the shrine.
Abayomi was said to have taken policemen and journalist round the shrines. It was also reported that entry into some of the rooms housing the shrines was almost impossible has they had iron doors.
It was also gathered that five graves, big-horned figurines as well as left over sacrifices were discovered at the shrine which is located in a forest in Agbowa.
Most residents of the area, who express joy over the raid of the shrine, lamented that several complaints of atrocities committed there did not yield desire result.
They accused traditional rulers of some communities in Ikorodu of allegedly sponsoring the badoo gang, and however, called on the police to carry out discreet investigation that would expose the perpetrators.
While confirming the operations, sources within the police said, “Yes,two operators of the shrine in a thick forest in Agbowa area of Ikorodu have been arrested, alongside two others. They are major suspects in July 30, killings in Ibeshe.
“By this arrest, traditional rulers in Ikorodu should know that there exalted office has privileges and responsibilities. Since they have subject within their domains, they should educate them on the need to identify residents, particularly new people that are moving into their areas.
“Members of badoo live in their communities. With the security measures put in place, no external person can come and committee atrocity in Ikorodu division.
“Traditional rulers in this axis should not fold their hands and watch people been killed in their domain. They should also discourage their subjects from building inside the bush.”
Meanwhile, a statement signed by the command spoke man ASP, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the police raid on the shrine and the arrest of Alhaji Alaka Abayomi along with two other people.
“The team which was led by the commissioner of police, represented by the deputy commissioner of police, Edgal Imohimi uncovered the shrine of the dreaded gang terrorizing residents of Ikorodu division.
The had earlier arrested one Alhaji Alaka Abayomi, a resident of Magodo, and he has been linked to the cult and the recent murder of the family of five (Adejare family) who were attacked in their one bedroom apartment in Oke-Ota , Ibeshe , Ikorodu.
The suspect confessed to know others whose shrines in the area and led the police to the cult’s shrine in Agbowa town. Different ritual objects and charms were recovered in each of the five building in the compound which was fenced with charms to scare away intruders. The compound was always under lock and key. The police also made two different arrest as surveillance has been heightened.”
The police command however, added that efforts were being intensified to unravel more hideouts of the gang and track down other Badoo members.