Police Arrest 11 LAUTECH Students for Alleged Cultism, Recover Weapons in Ogbomoso

Police Arrest 11 LAUTECH Students Over Alleged Cultism, Recover Guns and Other Weapons in Ogbomoso

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The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 11 students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) over alleged involvement in cult-related activities in Ogbomoso, in what authorities described as a major breakthrough against violent groups operating within the student community.

Police say the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated intelligence-led operation that also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and other dangerous items believed to have been prepared for violent use.

According to the police, the operation was carried out after security operatives received intelligence suggesting that a group of suspected cult members had converged in parts of Ogbomoso and were allegedly making plans linked to a possible attack. The information prompted officers to launch a targeted raid in identified locations around the town, particularly in areas known to host a large student population.

During the operation, police swooped on the suspects and took them into custody before the alleged plans could be carried out.

Police said the raid led to the recovery of several dangerous items, including locally made firearms, live ammunition, and cult-related weapons. Among the items reportedly recovered were pistols, cartridges, axes, a cutlass, a knife, and other objects believed to be associated with violent confraternity activities. Authorities say the recovered items have been taken into evidence and will form part of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators believe the arrested students are members of the Eiye Confraternity, one of the notorious cult groups often linked to violent clashes on and around Nigerian campuses.

Police also said preliminary findings suggest some of the suspects may have connections to previous cult-related disturbances in the area, although investigations are still ongoing. The command noted that the arrests were made to prevent further violence and restore calm within the university environment and surrounding communities.

The development has once again brought attention to the persistent problem of cultism in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Campus cult groups have long been associated with intimidation, assaults, rival clashes, and in some cases, killings. Their activities often extend beyond school grounds and can pose security threats to neighbouring communities.

Security agencies and school authorities have repeatedly warned students against joining confraternities, stressing that such groups often lure young people into violence, crime, and life-altering consequences.

The Oyo State Police Command says it remains committed to identifying and dismantling cult networks operating in Ogbomoso and other parts of the state. Authorities have also urged parents, community leaders, and school management to support efforts aimed at discouraging cultism and protecting students from criminal influence.

The 11 suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of police investigations.

For students and residents of Ogbomoso, the arrests may come as a relief, especially amid recurring concerns about insecurity and cult-related violence around campuses.

The police action signals a tougher stance against violent groups and may help prevent possible attacks if the allegations are proven.

Still, the incident also raises broader questions about student safety, peer influence, and the urgent need for stronger campus-based interventions to tackle cult recruitment before it escalates into violence.

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The arrest of 11 LAUTECH students over alleged cultism marks another serious chapter in the fight against campus violence in Nigeria.

With weapons reportedly recovered and investigations ongoing, the case is likely to remain under close public attention in the coming days.

For now, the focus remains on the outcome of the investigation, the safety of students in Ogbomoso, and the wider effort to stamp out cult-related violence in higher institutions.