Three suspected members of the Aiye cult group have been picked up, after a shoot-out with the police in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

The wanted leader of the cultists popularly called Ben managed to escape with gunshot wounds during a raid on their hideout.

Ben was linked with several cult clashes in Abeokuta and killing of five persons.

Police however say that Jonathan Oshinkanlu, Kola Bolugbe, and Jimo Aliyu were arrested.

RELATED: Ogun Cautions Against Proxy Counting in 2023 Census Exercise

Spokesman of the state police command, Abimbola Oyeyemi said that a team of SWAT operatives carried out the raid after receiving intelligence that a cultist leader was holding a noctural meeting at Ogun radio, Mile 2 at Lafenwa, preparing for a fresh attack in the city.

The SWAT team, supported by policemen from Lafenwa and Ilupeju police stations engaged the cultists in a gun battle for about 30 minutes before three of them were arrested while their leader escaped with bullet wounds.

Oyeyemi said the cultists damaged a police patrol van during the shoot-out while the police team seized an unmarked lexus 330 car used by the cultists for their operation.

The state police commissioner, Lanre Bankole has ordered a manhunt for other members of the gang who are on the run.

READ NEXT: Ogun Puts Salaries Deductions Arrears at 10 Billion Naira, Gratuity at 60 Billion