In a bid to curb the menace of cultism and promote peace within its jurisdiction, the Ogun State Police Command has initiated an amnesty programme, witnessing 48 cultists voluntarily renouncing their memberships.
The state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, disclosed this development in Sagamu, Ogun State, where surrendered arms and ammunition were publicly displayed at the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adewale Ajayi.
Alamutu emphasised the importance of not stigmatising individuals who choose to disassociate from their former affiliations, highlighting the consequences for those who persist in criminal activities post-amnesty period.
“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,” Alamutu stated.
He further explained the rationale behind the initiative, stating, “The essence of the olive branch extended to cultists is hinged on giving them a second chance to become better citizens and begin to contribute towards peaceful coexistence in the state.”
During the ceremony marking the handover of illicit firearms to the police, Alamutu reiterated the directive from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, emphasising the need to mop up illegal firearms within the state.
“We urged 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,” Alamutu cautioned.
The Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land, speaking earlier, underscored the community’s resilience in combating cult-related violence, expressing satisfaction with the progress made in deterring such activities.
“Not satisfied with the killings and disturbance by these cultists in the town, the community re-strategised 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,” the paramount ruler remarked.
