Police recover weapons as ‘repentant cultists’ surrender in Ondo

The police in Ondo says its officers have recovered several weapons after suspected cultists on the command’s watchlist surrendered their arms during a peace-building exercise.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ayanlade Olushola, the command’s spokesperson, said the initiative was led by Adebowale Lawal, the police commissioner, as part of a broader effort to curb violent crime and flush out criminal elements.

Olushola said Lawal was joined by the area commander and members of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths, who operate under the ‘End Miscreants in Ondo’ campaign.

The spokesperson said the suspects openly renounced their membership of rival groups and submitted weapons during the operation.

“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,” the statement reads.

“This collaborative engagement underscores the crucial role of community partnerships in addressing long-standing security concerns.

“Significantly, those who surrendered included 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.

“In furtherance of these peace-building efforts, the command also 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 that tragically claimed eight lives.

“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.

“Their willingness to work closely with the police to promote peace reflects a growing trust in law enforcement and renewed hope for community healing.”

ARMS RECOVERED

Olushola also said a total of 17 arms and 12 rounds of ammunition, including 9mm rounds and AA cartridges, were recovered during the operation.

The police spokesperson said the seized weapons included locally made guns and Beretta pistols, which she described as evidence of “tangible progress in clearing the state of illicit firearms”.

Olushola added that Lawal reaffirmed the position of Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, that repentant cultists who renounce gang membership and demonstrate good conduct would be reintegrated into society.