In a bid to stem the surge of violence usually associated with cultist clashes in Ogun State, particularly Sagamu, 48 youths have taken the bold step of renouncing their membership in cult groups.
Besides, they surrendered the illegal firearms in their possession, marking a bold statement in the State’s efforts to combat crime and restore peace.
The fire arms submitted included one pump action, four double barrels, seven single barrels, two English made pistol, four locally made pistol and thirty-five cartridges.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, commended those who opted out of the cult groups, saying: “Aside from those licensed to bear firearms, no other person is permitted to possess them. Anyone found in possession of firearms after this will be treated as a criminal.”
He emphasized the importance of ongoing profiling and the forthcoming stage of the programme, which will involve the public parading of those who have renounced their involvement in cult activities.
“After adequately profile them, they’ll be paraded. What we will encourage members of the community so that they don’t treat them as outcast because we know from experience that some of them found themselves in this fold; it was after they had been entrapped in it, they now understand what cultism is, and it’s never easy to opt out because of fear of attack. Now that they’re bold enough to surrender what we should do is to reintegrate them as legitimate and law abiding members of the community.”
Acknowledging the complexities surrounding cultism, the Akarigbo of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, emphasized the need for community engagement and support in facilitating the reintegration of former cult members.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the community, law enforcement, and armed forces in addressing the security challenges and expressed optimism in the willingness of surrendered individuals to contribute positively to society.
Special Adviser to the Ogun State Government on Security Matters, Olusola Zubair, commended the collective endeavour that led to the surrender of arms, attributing it to the perseverance and resilience of all stakeholders involved.
He underscored the potential for replicating such initiatives in other areas grappling with similar issues, emphasizing the paramount importance of peace for sustainable development.
“We know that development can only strive where there’s an atmosphere of peace and that’s what we’re clamouring for here. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all other sectors of this state that what we are doing in Sagamu today, is doable in other places also. I want to thank the Governor of Ogun State for giving us the support.
“I want to say this is not all the arms that they have been using but just as the Akarigbo said , it’s a continuous process , we are still in that process of recovering these firearms and am sure that most of them will know now that crime doesn’t pay so it is better to live in peace . All of us should live in unity and that’s what will bring development to our state.”
The Director of Department State Services (DSS), Folashade Adekayajo, represented by Deputy Director of Operations and Intelligence, Sikiru Kolawole, echoed the call for individuals involved in cult activities to embrace peace and renounce violence.
He emphasized the crucial role of community members in providing information to aid law enforcement efforts in curbing criminal activities.
* Media Report