The Ondo State Police Command has successfully facilitated a peace agreement between rival cult groups in Ondo City, ending a cycle of violent clashes that have claimed lives in the community. The initiative, led by Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal, also involved the voluntary surrender of weapons by repentant cultists.
According to DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olusola, the command’s spokesperson, the operation forms part of a strategic effort to curb violent crime and restore community peace. The disarmament exercise saw the recovery of 17 firearms and 12 rounds of ammunition, including locally fabricated weapons and Beretta pistols.
“Some of the repentant cultists expressed relief at stepping away from the lifestyle, explaining that fear of arrest had forced them to flee the state until the initiative provided a safe platform to return and reintegrate,” Olusola said.
The initiative included mediation between two rival cult factions, responsible for violent clashes earlier in the year that resulted in eight deaths. Both camps agreed to a truce, marking a significant step toward sustainable reconciliation.
Commissioner Lawal, accompanied by the Area Commander and members of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths’ ‘End Miscreants in Ondo’ initiative, supervised the laying down of arms. The effort underscores the importance of community partnerships in tackling entrenched security challenges.
The police also acknowledged the support of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo, Jilo III, whose guidance was instrumental in the success of the operation.
Lawal urged remaining cultists to surrender and called on youths to embrace peace, reiterating that the police will continue to pursue anyone persisting in criminality. Repentant individuals will undergo structured counselling and mentorship programs to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to building a safer and more peaceful state through sustained community engagement, strategic partnerships, and robust, people-centered policing,” the statement concluded.