Repentant cultists surrender arms to police in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Police Command has announced a peace breakthrough in Ondo City after several repentant cultists voluntarily surrendered their weapons.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, said the operation was part of efforts to deepen community-driven security.

According to him, “the initiative reflects the command’s proactive strategy to flush out miscreants and keep Ondo State safe.”

He explained that the commissioner of police, along with senior officers and members of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths under the “End Miscreants in Ondo” initiative, supervised the arms surrender, noting that some of those who turned up had long been on the Command’s watchlist.

Ayanlade added that the Command also mediated peace between two rival cult camps responsible for deadly clashes earlier in the year.

The spokesperson said several repentant cultists expressed relief after renouncing their membership, with some revealing that fear of arrest had previously forced them to flee the state.

He quoted the commissioner of police as appreciating the Ekimogun Youths, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo, for supporting the initiative. “The police will intensify efforts to encourage others still in hiding to surrender,” the statement added.

A total of 17 arms and 12 rounds of ammunition, including locally fabricated weapons and Beretta pistols, were submitted during the exercise.