Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies in the state to commence special operations in Ilesa over the recent cult clashes that has led to the death of five suspected cultists.

The cult wars started last Sunday when 2 persons known as Machine and Eskay, were killed in a gun duel between rival cult groups around Imo area.

Two others were also killed on Tuesday afternoon, while another cultist was reportedly killed on Tuesday evening around the Oke-Omiru area of the town.

And in his reaction, Governor Adeleke has described the situation as “shocking and reprehensible”.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor called on the police and other security agencies to act decisively to stop the cult clashes. The Governor equally directed the security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the attacks.

The statement reads partly: “I have been duly briefed on the developments in some parts of Ijeshaland. We will no longer tolerate actions capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state. We will not allow any group or individuals to use their internal wars to endanger public peace.

“This is a matter that threatens law and order. We must enforce the law and ensure peace without delay. This is one violence too many.

“I have directed the Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs to swing into action without delay. Violence and attacks must stop and perpetrators must be brought to book as urgently as possible”.