*Sources
claim Badoo hander kerchief sells for N500, 000
*100
suspected Badoo members arrested, as Govt caution against jungle justice
As tension continued to envelop Ikorodu areas of Lagos
State over Badoo dreaded ritual killers’ activities, news emerged that another
set of four suspected members of the group were lynched .
According to residents, three among the four killed, were
caught in a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) parked at Oju-Emuren Street, Odogunyan
around 2am on Sunday, in the community. The fourth victim was found at Idera area
of Ikorodu and also set ablaze by angry residents.
This was also as security sources claimed that
investigation has revealed that the Badoo group used to sell their spiritual
handkerchief, already used in wiping private of raped or deceased victim, N500,
000. It was also claimed that the handkerchief used to be sold to some highly
placed Nigerians.
Residents claimed that the three found with SUV and
killed, were caught in Odogunyan during the search of their SUV. It was alleged
that engine oil, grinding stones and different charms were found inside the
SUV; items alleged to be trademarks of Badoo members.
A resident said: “Upon discovery of the items in the SUV,
pounced on the three men, who were in suit. They were set on fire.”
Another resident, Mr. Idowu John, said: “The death of
the family of four at Ali Adesanya Street, has taught people a big lesson.
Everyone is now guarding their streets themselves. We cannot take it anymore! We
have decided to guard our community ourselves. We were patrolling the community
when we saw the SUV. We took them to the palace of the head of the community
(Baale).
“When we got to the palace of the Baale, they couldn’t
explain or tell us whom they came to see in the community. Grinding stone, oil
and charms were discovered in their vehicle, indicating that they are actually
Badoo group members. That was how we descended on them.”
Another resident, who simply identified himself as
Adesope, claimed that machetes some youths used on the three men did not
penetrate their bodies. It was at that point the mob brought petroleum and set
them on fire.
Adesope said: “We can no longer take the atrocities of
the Badoo group in Odogunyan community.
That was why we formed vigilante groups, patrolling our streets at night.
We have properties in Ikorodu; we are not going to run because of the Badoo
group. They are ones that will leave Ikorodu for us. We’re not going to rest
until we flushed them out.”
Mr. Balogun Moses, an Ikorodu resident applaud the
Joint Task Force (JTF) raids, describing it as a welcome development.
He added: “If the police and other security agencies
continued and maintained the raiding on a monthly basis, crime rate will
reduce. We commend the effort of all the security agencies and local vigilante
groups. Now, we can now sleep with our eyes closed.”
Some of the residents celebrated the capture and
murder of the three men. Some of the youths were armed with cutlasses, axe and
other weapons. They chanted war songs and rained curses on the dead men.
Giving further insight into the murder of the three
men in SUV, a Community Development Association, (CDA) chairman in the area, identified
simply as Ibikunle explained that the suspects were flagged down by residents
on ‘Stop and Search’ mission. He said that the men couldn’t identify themselves
and that Badoo ‘items’ were found on them. They could not also explain what
they used the items for.
Ibikunle said: “The incident happened around 2am
today. You know the community since yesterday embarked on manhunt for these
suspects. The three Badoo suspects were seen inside an SUV; they were asked to
identify themselves, but were not able to state where they were going or coming
from. Inside the SUV, black oil, handkerchiefs and grinding stone were found.
These are items used in killing people. They were beaten to pulp before being
set ablaze inside the SUV.”
According to Ibikunle, the number of people that had
been killed by Badoo group have risen up to 50.
He said that security agencies should unravel the men
behind this evil trend.
He added: “You can see that rich and highly placed
people in the society must be behind these ritual killings. What we want now is
to unmask the perpetrators. The police must do their job, and not sweep
anything under carpet.”
On Sunday, another set of suspected Badoo dreaded
ritual killers were arrested at the Ikorodu area of Lagos.
The suspects were arrested during a raid carried out
by a Joint Task Force (JTF) of Police, members of the Odua Peoples’ Congress
(OPC) and local vigilante group.
This latest arrest, number of arrest yet unknown, came
just as the Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde
Famous–Cole, disclosed that 100 suspects were grabbed on Saturday.
The disclosure came just as the Lagos State Government
warned residents in Ikorodu area to avoid carrying out jungle justice on
suspected members of the gang.
Famous Cole confirmed the setting on fire of the three
Badoo suspects on Sunday.
Famous-Cole said: “The public have been warned not to take
laws into their hands by carrying out jungle justice. Those arrested are
undergoing interrogations, and screenings. We are doing a holistic exercise to
uncover the cause of this act from the root. Anybody involved must face the
wrath of the law.”
According to the government, anyone who carried out
jungle justice, shall be arrested and made to face justice.
Before the call however, at least 10 suspected persons
were alleged to have been lynched in different parts of Ikorodu between Friday,
Saturday and Sunday.
A retired policeman, residing at Ikorodu, who wishes
to remain anonymous, yesterday said: “The Joint Task Force started raiding on
Saturday and they came today (Sunday) to raid again. They arrested a lot of
people and have taken them to Ipakodo Police Station.”
Famous–Cole said: “The members of the Badoo cult group
have been fingered in violent killings in Ikorodu axis, a development which had
prompted some suspected members of the group to be lynched through mob action. The
100 suspects were arrested in a joint operation carried out by men of the Lagos
State Police Command, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Odua People’s Congress (OPC),
as well as local vigilantes including Onyabo in Ikorodu on
Saturday.”
He explained that the Joint Task Force started its
operation early morning of Saturday by moving around Ikorodu axis. The team
combed suspected hideouts of Badoo members.
The combined security team led by Deputy Commissioner
of Police in charge of Operations, Lagos Police Command, Mr. Imohimi Edgal and
the RRS Commander, ACP Olatunji Disu, specifically raided black spots and
suspected areas like Ikorodu, Ibeshe, Ita Maja, Ijede, Ipakodo and other areas.
The raid led to arrest of about 100 suspects for
questioning.
Famous-Cole noted: “The exercise was a follow up to a
meeting which the National Coordinator of Odua Peoples’ Congress, Chief Gani
Adams and Onyabo leaders held with security chiefs on Friday. About 40 police
and RRS vehicles were used for the operation. The exercise was part of the
ongoing efforts to rid the state of the activities of the dreaded cult group. We
can confirm the arrest of 100 suspected members of the dreaded cult group,
Badoo and they are helping with ongoing investigation into the activities of
the gang.
“Government is on top of the situation and we like to
use this medium to caution people to desist from jungle justice. We also like
to assure residents that they are free to go about their normal activities
without hindrance, as the police and other security agencies in the state are
poised to make the state uncomfortable and hot for criminal elements.”
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