Ondo police warn cultists against ‘7/7’ gatherings, deploy security operatives
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Police Command has warned cult groups and other criminal elements against holding any gathering, procession, initiation or celebration associated with the annual “7/7” cult activities, vowing to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the law.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Monday night by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh. He said the directive followed credible intelligence indicating that some cult groups were planning activities capable of disrupting public peace and security across the state.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel to identified flashpoints and other strategic locations to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Jimoh said the operation involves personnel from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit, State Intelligence Department, Mobile Police Force, as well as officers from area commands and divisional headquarters across the state.
He added that the operatives had been directed to intensify visibility policing, surveillance, confidence-building patrols and intelligence-led raids to forestall any cult-related activities and ensure the safety of residents.
The command warned that unlawful gatherings, public display of cult insignia, brandishing of weapons, violent processions and any act capable of causing fear or panic among residents would not be tolerated. It stressed that anyone found engaging in such activities would face the full weight of the law.
Ohagwu appealed to community leaders, youth groups, transport unions, school authorities and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or gatherings to security agencies. He assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place and urged them to go about their lawful activities without fear.
The annual “7/7” observance refers to July 7, a date that Nigerian security agencies have consistently associated with activities by some secret cult groups. Over the years, the period has been linked to intelligence reports of planned gatherings, initiations, processions and, in some cases, violent clashes between rival cult groups, prompting police commands in several states to heighten security, conduct raids on suspected hideouts and warn against any cult-related activities capable of disrupting public peace.
