48 Cultists Surrender Arms in Ogun, Embrace Amnesty Program

In a significant turn of events, 48 individuals involved in various cult groups in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State have opted to abandon their affiliations, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s security landscape.

The renunciation ceremony, held at the palace of the Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, saw the repentant cultists relinquishing a cache of weapons, including firearms and cartridges, as tangible proof of their commitment to forsake cultism and its associated violence.

The decision to surrender arms and disavow cult ties comes amidst a backdrop of heightened insecurity, particularly in Sagamu LGA, where clashes between rival factions have exacted a heavy toll on lives and properties.

Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, emphasized the essence of the amnesty program, framed as a lifeline extended to those willing to chart a new course away from criminality.

He underscored the imperative of seizing this opportunity, cautioning that failure to do so would result in punitive measures for those caught engaging in criminal activities post-amnesty.

He said, “The olive branch we are extending to these cultists is a product of several engagements. We all know the problem we have had in the past with frequent cult clashes causing loss of lives in Sagamu.

“And working with the government and traditional rulers, we kicked off this process whereby the cultists will come forward, denounce their membership and submit any firearms with them without any punitive measures.

“This is in line with the directive from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun who has ordered that the illicit firearms should be mopped up, even those who have their licences are encouraged to return theirs too.

“We urge the cultists in the state to embrace this golden opportunity, many of them already are aware that cultism does not pay, so they should come and lay down their weapons because anyone caught when this window is closed will be treated as a common criminal.”

Similarly, the Akarigbo highlighted the community’s determination to tackle the menace of cultism head-on, urging individuals to embrace a new path devoid of violence and criminality.

He reiterated the adverse consequences of cultism, emphasizing the need for individuals to heed the call for peace and reconciliation.

“Not satisfied with the killings and disturbance of these cultists in the town, the community restrategised and moved against them. The heat was so much that some of them were even forced to leave the town but they have continued to beg, sending emissaries that they are ready to turn a new leaf.

“We have engaged them and told them point-blank that cultism is not the way forward, that they will only ruin their life, ruin their family name and the plans of God for their lives”, Akarigbo added.

The presence of key stakeholders at the event, including the Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Security and representatives from various security agencies, underscores the collective resolve to restore law and order in the state.