48 members of various cult groups renounced membership in the Sagamu area of Ogun State on Tuesday.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamatu, at the Palace of the Akarigbo of Remo in Sagamu, where the cultists surrendered all illegal firearms in their possession.
The CP said some of the arms submitted by the cultists were one pump action gun, four double barrels, seven single barrels, two English pistols, four locally made pistols, and 35 cartridges.
He noted that the weapons submitted by the cultists were a clear indication that they had turned a new leaf.
The commissioner stated that the essence of the olive branch being extended to cultists was hinged on giving them a second chance to become better citizens and begin to contribute towards peaceful coexistence in the state.
“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 the loss of lives in Sagamu.
“Working with the government and traditional rulers, we kick 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.
“We urged the cultists in the state to embrace this golden opportunity; many of them are already aware that cultism does not pay, so they should come and lay down their weapons.
“Anyone caught when this window is closed will be treated as a common criminal,” he said.
The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi,
said that the amnesty for the cultists was the result of several engagements and discussions where many of the cultists regretted their nefarious acts.
Ajayi said that he was not satisfied with the killings and disturbances of cultists in the town, saying that the community restrategised and moved against them.
“We have engaged them and told them point-blank that cultism is not the way forward, that they will only ruin their lives, their family names, and the plans of God for their lives,” he said.
The royal father thanked Gov. Dapo Abiodun, the security agencies, and the Sagamu Security Committee for working round the clock to ensure the success of the amnesty deal for the former cultists.
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