Ondo Town Cult Clash: 4 Feared Dead, 5 Injured As Rival Gangs Clash Violently

In a tragic turn of events that has left residents in shock and fear, Ondo Town in Ondo State was thrown into chaos on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as a deadly cult clash erupted in multiple parts of the town, leading to the death of four individuals and leaving at least five others injured. This violent outbreak, which is believed to be a power tussle between rival cult groups, has heightened tension in the community and drawn swift reaction from security operatives.

According to eyewitnesses and police sources, the clash occurred at Ife Garage, Sabo, and Christ Land, all located within the Oka area of Ondo Town, under the Ondo West Local Government Area. Residents who witnessed the horrifying scenes said masked gunmen, believed to be members of a rival cult faction, stormed the areas and opened fire on their targets, killing some instantly.

How the Bloody Attack Unfolded

A resident of Ife Garage, who spoke to NaijaRush.com under anonymity for fear of reprisal, narrated how the violence broke out.

“It happened so fast. Around 6:00 PM, some young men, masked and heavily armed, arrived on motorbikes. They just started shooting randomly. People ran for their lives. I saw one boy shot in the chest. He died on the spot,” the eyewitness recounted.

Reports indicate that three people were shot dead in the Ife Garage area, while one more victim was gunned down at Sabo, in front of a local convenience store popularly known as “Mama Shop”.

The identity of the deceased has not been officially released, but police sources confirmed that all those killed were notorious cultists who had been on the radar of security agencies for some time.

Police Confirm the Killings: "They Were Notorious Cultists"

In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, the incident was confirmed and detailed. He stated clearly that the police were aware of the activities of these cult members prior to the incident and had them on the command’s wanted list.

“The command can confirm the murder of four people and five injured, all of whom belong to one cult group or the other,” said Ayanlade.

“I want to appeal to members of the community to go about their lawful businesses without fear or panic. Security agencies are on the ground to protect lives and property,” he assured.

This statement was aimed at calming fears among residents, many of whom had expressed concerns about going out or opening their shops due to the violence.

Police Launch Massive Crackdown on Cultists

In response to the cult war and to prevent a possible retaliation, Ondo State Police carried out a massive raid in the early hours of Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Targeting hideouts and suspected cultist locations, the operation took place in New Garage and Ayeyemi, areas believed to be strongholds of one of the cult groups involved in the clash.

Eyewitnesses described the raid as intense. Armed officers reportedly broke into homes, smashed doors, and arrested dozens of young men believed to have links to cult groups.

When questioned about the aggressive approach taken by the police, SP Olayinka Ayanlade defended the actions of the officers, stating that the situation demanded such tactics.

“Desperate times require desperate actions. Anyone arrested during the raid has one or two things to do with the clash,” Ayanlade explained.

“Our men have acted rightly, and if any of them are found to have acted wrongly, they will face disciplinary action. But if they have done the right thing, people should commend them,” he added.

Tension in the Community: Fear and Silence

Following the incident, many residents of Ondo Town have chosen to remain indoors. Commercial activities in parts of New Garage, Ife Garage, and Sabo have slowed down significantly, with many shop owners closing early or refusing to open for fear of renewed violence.

A local trader in Sabo told NaijaRush.com,

“We’re scared. We don’t know who is next. Even innocent people can get caught in the crossfire. We just want peace.”

This cult war is not the first to occur in Ondo Town, which has in recent years witnessed a growing number of clashes between rival groups, especially during periods of political tension or festivity. Security experts say these groups are often involved in land disputes, drug peddling, and territorial dominance, with fights breaking out when agreements are broken or leadership within the groups changes.

The Police Patrol and Next Steps

To restore normalcy, the police have increased their presence in strategic locations, especially in New Garage and Ayeyemi. Patrol vans, anti-cultism units, and plainclothes officers have been deployed across the town.

According to SP Ayanlade, this effort is part of a larger security strategy to ensure that no reprisal attacks occur.

“We are not going to allow any form of lawlessness to continue. Anyone caught engaging in cult activities will be prosecuted,” he warned.

The police also urged community leaders, religious bodies, and parents to assist in curbing cultism, especially among young people who are often lured into the gangs through peer pressure, promises of protection, or financial incentives.

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture on Cultism in Nigeria

Cultism, which initially began as student confraternities in Nigerian universities, has over the years evolved into full-blown criminal enterprises that now operate across towns, cities, and even rural communities. In states like Ondo, Edo, Lagos, and Rivers, cult clashes have become a recurring source of violence, leading to loss of lives, disruption of business, and community unrest.

Security analysts say that unless urgent measures are taken—such as stricter laws, grassroots sensitization, and improved intelligence gathering—Nigeria may continue to face the menace of cult-related killings.

For residents of Ondo Town, the hope is for a return to peace. Many are now calling on the government, local authorities, and traditional leaders to step up and find lasting solutions to the cycle of violence.

What NaijaRush Recommends

To prevent future clashes and ensure a safer society, NaijaRush.com recommends the following:

• Government-led sensitization campaigns targeting young people, especially secondary school students.

• Stronger penalties for cult-related crimes to deter potential offenders.

• Community policing initiatives to encourage citizens to report suspicious activities.

• Vocational training and employment schemes to provide alternatives to cultism.

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Conclusion

The Ondo cult clash of May 27, 2025, serves as yet another painful reminder of the growing threat of gang violence in Nigeria. As families mourn their loved ones and communities live in fear, the time for action is now. Security agencies, government officials, and community leaders must unite in a coordinated effort to stamp out cultism once and for all.

Stay tuned to NaijaRush.com for more verified updates, eyewitness reports, and analysis on cultism, community security, and crime prevention in Nigeria.