Four killed during 8/8 cult celebration in Kwara State Nigeria

Four persons, including members of different cult groups, were reportedly shot dead at Olunlade area, Ilorin, Kwara State capital during the traditional celebration of August 8 (8/8) cult activities, Monday night.

It was gathered that residents of the area experienced sleepless night due to the sporadic gunshots that rented the area while the celebration lasted when members of various cult groups attacked themselves in a gun duel.

Residents of the area claimed no fewer than four persons were killed by different cult groups in a reprisal attack in an interview with journalists.

But, the spokesman of Kwara State Police Command, Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the development, said only two deaths were recorded during the celebration.

He said: “Only two persons were killed in the 8/8 celebration by the cult groups and not four as being peddled around by some people. One person died at the spot of the crisis at Olunlade while the other was reported to have died later in the hospital.”

On the likely cause of the crisis, the PPRO said: “You know that yesterday (Monday) was August 8 and the different cult groups were celebrating the day in many places in the town.