100 Ondo cultists renounce membership, surrender arms

Over 100 members of various cultist groups in Ondo town, Ondo State, have renounced their membership of the groups.

They were said to have also surrendered their weapons to the state police command and vowed to turn a new leaf.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Olayinka Ayanlade, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, those who renounced included those who had been on the command’s trail and watchlist.

The PPRO added that the development came about following an initiative of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Adebowale Lawal, aimed at bringing peace to the community.

Ayanlade said, “The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, earlier today, led a strategic peacebuilding operation in Ondo City as part of the command’s proactive policing strategy aimed at flushing out miscreants and ensuring that the state remains free from violent crimes and criminality. This initiative reflects the command’s renewed commitment to strengthening community safety through inclusive and preventive approaches.

“Building on this commitment, the Commissioner of Police, accompanied by the Area Commander and well-meaning members of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths under the “End Miscreants in Ondo” initiative, supervised the voluntary laying-down of arms by repentant cultists who openly renounced their membership of various cult groups. This collaborative engagement underscores the crucial role of community partnerships in addressing long-standing security concerns.

“Significantly, over 100 renounced and surrendered, including known faces and individuals who had long been on the command’s trail, many of whom were previously documented on the command’s watchlist for their roles in cult-related activities. Their decision to come forward reinforces the growing acceptance of the command’s peace-driven approach and demonstrates the programme’s effectiveness in dismantling entrenched cult networks.”

During the event, the police spokesman also stated that the command successfully mediated between two rival cult groups/camps, who had long been at loggerheads and were believed to be responsible for the violent clashes earlier in the year.

“This mediation, which culminated in both camps embracing one another, represents a major step toward sustainable reconciliation and an end to recurring cycles of reprisal attacks.

“The impact of the initiative was further highlighted by the testimonies of some repentant cultists, who expressed deep relief and satisfaction at finally being free from the burden of cultism. Several revealed that the fear of arrest by the command had previously forced them to flee the state, but they now feel confident to return and reintegrate into society,” he explained.

Ayanlade disclosed that during the programme, a total of 17 arms and 12 rounds of ammunition—including 9mm rounds and AA cartridges were submitted by the repentant cultists.

It was reported earlier that the command attested no fewer than 46 youths over an alleged cult clash which occurred in the town some months ago, following the killing of four persons in a clash between rival cult groups in the town.

During the clash, it was gathered that the deceased were shot around Ife Garage, Sabo, and Christ Land in the Oka area of the town by masked men suspected to be members of a rival cult group.

It was also learnt that three members of the Aiye confraternity were shot dead in the bloody clash at Ife Garage, while another one was killed at the Sabo area of the ancient town.

PUNCH Metro reported in March 2024 that no fewer than 48 repentant cultists in the Sagamu area of Ogun State surrendered their arms to the Nigeria Police Force and renounced their membership of the various cult groups they belonged to.