By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The swift intervention of operatives of the Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) averted what could have been a tragic attack on students and staff of Methodist High School, Arigbajo, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, following an invasion by suspected armed cultists.
The Corps disclosed that four suspects were arrested after its operatives repelled the attackers during the incident, which occurred at about 12 noon on Monday, June 29, 2026.
The State Commander of the Corps, Cmdr. (Dr.) Soji Ganzallo, made this known in a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Assistant Commander of Corps Adegunwa Adebuyi.
According to the statement, the Corps received a distress call reporting that a large group of suspected cultists had stormed the school premises, allegedly targeting both students and members of the teaching staff.
Responding promptly, So-Safe operatives were deployed to the school, where they confronted the hoodlums said to be armed with machetes, knives, charms and other dangerous weapons.
The statement noted that the officers acted swiftly and professionally, successfully repelling the attackers and chasing them out of the school environment before any harm could be inflicted on students or staff.
"The tactical and decisive response of our officers prevented injuries and casualties, ensuring the safety of everyone within the school premises," the statement said.
Following a hot pursuit, the operatives arrested four suspects. Three of them were identified as students of Papa High School, Ewekoro. They are 18-year-old Adeyemi Toyosi, an SSS 3 student; 17-year-old Taiwo Adeniji, an SSS 2 student; and 17-year-old Olusoji Olaleye, also an SSS 2 student.
The fourth suspect, identified as Muhammad Mustafa, 16, is a non-student, a scrap metal collector and a native of Kebbi State.
Although some members of the gang reportedly escaped with weapons, the operatives recovered a cutlass from the suspects, which has been documented as an exhibit.
The Corps said the suspects and the recovered weapon had been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Itori Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reaffirming the agency's commitment to tackling cult-related violence, Ganzallo declared that the So-Safe Corps would maintain a zero-tolerance stance against cultism and all forms of violence in schools.
He also appealed to parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the activities and associations of their children and wards in order to curb youth involvement in cult-related activities.
The commander assured residents that the Corps would continue to collaborate with communities and other security agencies to safeguard educational institutions and maintain peace and security across Ogun State.
