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Owo Clash: Ondo Govt worried, reiterates ban on cult groups

The Ondo State Government has voiced concerns about the surge in cult-related clashes and the rising number of casualties in Owo in recent days.

    To  that extent, it has outlawed  cultism and related societies across te state.

Addressing the issue at a one-day security summit organised by the Owo Youth Forum (OYF), the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, decried the needless loss of innocent lives and the destruction of property caused by the hoodlums.

Adelami, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Kola Falohun, stated that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has instructed security agencies to eradicate cultism and related activities across Owo and the state.

He said: “Solutions have been suggested, and we believe that by the time a larger stakeholders’ meeting is organised by the office of the Deputy Governor, we will make a headway. These senseless killings must be stopped.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we are very sad with the resurgence of activities of criminal elements, raising unnecessary tension in the ancient town and its environs.

“Let me categorically state that we are more than determined to put an end quickly to the nefarious activities of these hoodlums and enemies of our people, who are hell-bent on truncating the peace of our land.”

Stakeholders in the Owo community, however, blamed the recurrence of cultist activities and killings on political actors. They argued that politicians perpetuate the crisis by using cult groups to achieve political objectives.

Damilare Aina, a member of the OYF, said politicians exploit idle youths for their ambitions, arming them during political campaigns and abandoning them afterward, only to re-engage them when the need arises.

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According to Aina, cultism, once restricted to Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, has now evolved into street gangsterism and is a regular feature in many towns and cities across the country. He explained that the summit was convened to proffer solutions to the problem and restore peace to Owo.

He called for continuous engagement with stakeholders to educate the youth and ensure lasting peace in the area.

Similarly, Odunayo Folahanmi highlighted how politicians supply dangerous weapons to young people, turning them into political thugs.

“It is evident that politicians are the ones engaging the cultists. We invited them, as well as others, but many of the political leaders are not here, except the deputy governor, represented by the Chief of Staff.

“We are privy to information that security operatives often release these cultists to politicians who secure their freedom,” Folahanmi said.

He commended the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, and other traditional rulers for their efforts to address the menace in the town.

The Police Area Commander in Owo, Adenike Peter, appealed for public support to combat cultism and urged politicians and influential individuals to stop meddling in police operations.

“Many a time, when we arrest these miscreants, politicians will start calling, seeking the release of the cultists, and this has been a major problem.

“Also, parents should checkmate their children and even report them to the police for action if found culpable in criminal tendencies. Members of the public should also give us useful information because we are not ghosts. We will work on the information given to us. These people live in our midst,” she said.

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Owo Clash: Ondo Govt worried, reiterates ban on cult groups

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