Police parade 15 suspected cultists, armed robbers in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended 15 suspected cultists and armed robbers across various locations in the state, parading them before newsmen at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, on Monday.

The Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi, expressed concern over the rise in cultism and related criminal activities, particularly in areas such as Apete, Abayomi (Iwo-road axis), Ijokodo, Moniya, Monatan, Ojoo, Samonda, and Sango.

Sonubi highlighted the threat cultism poses to public safety, describing the violence as retaliation-driven, with rival groups seeking dominance.

He stated that the Command has implemented strategic measures to address the issue, including intelligence gathering, advocacy campaigns, stakeholder meetings, and intelligence-led raids to curb cult-related violence.

“Parents, guardians, and community leaders must dissuade their wards and followers from engaging in cultism. The Command will ensure that any individual or group disrupting the state’s peace faces the full wrath of the law,” Sonubi warned.

He assured residents of heightened visibility policing, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-driven raids, emphasizing the Police’s role as the lead agency in internal security.

He also revealed increased supervision of field officers to prevent misconduct, incivility, and extortion.

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Recovered items from the suspects included five cultism-inscribed jackets, three dane guns, one locally-made pistol, one cut-to-size gun, a long-barrel gun, a Toyota Camry (Reg. No. KTU 41 JH), a red cloth, a powder-blue beret with inscriptions, and three cutlasses, among other items.

The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to restoring and maintaining tranquility in Oyo State.