Several young people identified as cult members in Ondo City have voluntarily surrendered their weapons and renounced their involvement in cult groups.

The Ondo Ekimogun Youths organised the disarmament event in partnership with the Police Area Command.

The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olusola Ayanlade, said the move shows the power of community cooperation in tackling long-standing security issues, explaining that some of those who surrendered were well known to the police and had been on the Command’s watchlist for cult related crimes.

According to Ayanlade, the police also helped resolve a long-running conflict between two rival cult groups whose clashes had earlier claimed eight lives.

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The State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, praised the youth group for supporting peace efforts and promised continued cooperation, saying that the police would encourage more cultists to give up their activities, while warning that those who continue in crime will face arrest.

A total of 17 weapons and 12 rounds of ammunition, including 9mm rounds, AA cartridges, locally made guns, and Beretta pistols were handed over.

Ayanlade added that the Command will continue working with communities to maintain peace and improve security across the state.

Source: Channels