A major breakthrough in the fight against cult violence was recorded in Ondo City on Monday as dozens of repentant cultists voluntarily surrendered their weapons and renounced their membership of rival groups.
This followed a peace initiative led by the Ondo State Police Command.
The development was confirmed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, who said the disarmament formed part of a broader strategy to curb violent crimes across the state.
DSP Ayanlade disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, personally led the peace-building operation alongside the Area Commander and leaders of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths under the “End Miscreants in Ondo” programme.
The initiative, he noted, provided a platform for cultists—some already on the police watchlist—to turn in arms and embrace reconciliation.
The Command said the intervention also succeeded in brokering peace between two rival cult groups believed to be behind violent clashes earlier in the year, which claimed eight lives.
Both camps reportedly reconciled during the meeting, raising hopes for an end to recurring reprisal attacks.
Some of the repentant cultists were said to have expressed relief at finally escaping the cycle of violence, with many revealing they had fled the state out of fear of arrest.
They declared readiness to work with the police to sustain peace and reintegrate into the community.
According to the statement, the exercise led to the recovery of 17 firearms and 12 rounds of ammunition, including Beretta pistols, AA cartridges and 9mm rounds, as well as several locally fabricated weapons.
The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation to the Ekimogun Youths, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo, Jilo III, for what he described as their crucial support and guidance in driving the reconciliation process.
He reaffirmed that the Command, in alignment with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, would welcome all willing repentant cultists and ensure they undergo proper counselling and mentorship to aid reintegration.
The statement added that the Command remains committed to sustaining community partnerships and deploying people-centred policing to make Ondo State safer for all.
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